Mugabe welcomes re-engagement efforts by Britain and US

President Robert Mugabe has welcomed the re-engagement efforts by the United States and Britain in normalising the relations with Zimbabwe.

The President was speaking during the 33rd independence celebrations at the National Sports Stadium this Thursday.

He said while Zimbabwe welcomes harmonious relations with the west, based on international law, it will not accept interference in its internal affairs.

"What is crucial is that Zimbabwe having attained the independence we are celebrating today, we demand as according to the international laws that these countries respect our sovereign independence and wish of our people to defend their nation."

President Mugabe urged the nation to replicate the peace that characterised the referendum.

He called on political party leaders at cell, ward, branch, provincial and national levels to maintain peace and to desist from inter-party violence.

He said: "Every political leader from branch level, ward, district and province levels must promote peace and encourage the people to vote peacefully."

 Mugabe paid tribute to SADC and the African Union for their unwavering support in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement in Zimbabwe.

The President also paid tribute to the defence and security force for maintaining peace and security in the country.

He said: "We trust them those in the defence and in police to continue to be vigilant in their exercise and obligation to defend the nation and to safeguard our hard-won independence."

President Mugabe said Zimbabwe is one of the fastest growing economies in Southern Africa with an economic growth rate of 4.4 percent.

He said agriculture and mining continue to be the key contributors to the country's economic growth, which proves the country has enough resources to lift the country to greater heights.

President Mugabe said the economy remains resilient in the face of sanctions, fragile global environment, and climate change, leaving the country to rely on domestic resources to address challenges such as erratic electricity and water supplies and vandalised installations.

He said 59 community share ownership trusts have been registered throughout the country with more being set up for employees under the employee ownership scheme, for them to benefit from the country's empowerment programmes.

President Mugabe said the land reform programme testifies to a powerful improvement of lives of Zimbabweans, which he said some countries are acknowledging, although grudgingly.

He said tobacco contributes 10 percent of the country's gross domestic product, with more farmers registering to grow the crop this year.

"66 245 farmers have registered to grow tobacco compared to 35 749 farmers in the previous season," the President said.

 Mugabe also said it is the government wish to see sanity in cotton prices.

The President said the international community has regained its confidence on Zimbabwe as witnessed by the country's winning of the bid to co-host with Zambia, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly in August.

He urged Zimbabweans to contribute to the preparations for the event which has the potential to boost the country's tourism, investment, income generation and employment creation.

President Mugabe congratulated every Zimbabwean on the nation's attainment of 33 years of independence saying: "Everyone enjoy Zimbabwe's birthday. Let's celebrate. Let's rejoice on this day, it is our day. Happy Independence, Makorokoto, Amhlope, Congratulations."

The First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe, Vice President Joice Mujuru, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, ministers, government officials and service chiefs also attended the independence celebrations.