Mugabe meets Putin over $4bn deal

President Robert Mugabe was yesterday set to leave for Russia for that country's Second World War commemorations during which he will meet with President Vladimir Putin and investors to discuss implementation of the $4billion platinum mining deal signed last year.

During the Russian trip, which is his twelfth since January, Mugabe will also meet with business people to discuss investment opportunities in the country.

Putin invited Mugabe in his capacity as both SADC and African Union chair to the victory parade, which will be held tomorrow to commemorate the then Joseph Stalin-ruled Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in the war that lasted from 1940-1945.

The visit comes at a time when both countries are subject to restrictive measures or sanctions from Western countries.