'Mugabe a true son of Africa,' says diplomats

African diplomats in China have reportedly hailed Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe as a true son of Africa, during his week-long visit to that country.

According to The Herald, Mugabe yesterday met African diplomats based in China, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and Speaker of the National People's Congress, Zhang Dejiang in separate meetings, where they described him as an African statesman who stood up to challenge the West despite the imposition of sanctions on the country.

Ambassadors took turns to praise President Mugabe after he addressed them on the developments in Zimbabwe, Africa and his visit to China.

A Nigerian representative praised President Mugabe for being the only leader who had told white people to back off.

In his remarks, President Mugabe said it was important for Africa to unite against imperialists.

Mugabe said there was need for adequate infrastructure for the continent to fully industrialise.

He said Africa expected South Africa to take the lead in the industrialisation process of other African states, but to no avail since the economy in that country was still under white control.

President Mugabe said other countries on the continent would be patient with South Africa to address the skewed ownership of resources for the whole continent to benefit.

Mugabe is in China to secure more investment in his country's ailing economy.