Russia commits to assist Zimbabwe

Russian Foreign Affairs minister is in Zimbabwe and met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to discuss ways on how to strengthen existing bilateral relations between the two countries.

Sergei Lavrov met Mnangagwa at his Munhumutapa offices on Thursday morning.

Briefing journalists soon after the meeting, Lavrov said "we discussed prospects of cooperation in the diamond industry.

"We also discussed plans to boost and strengthen trade and economic relations Zimbabwe and Russia," he said through an interpreter.

Lavrov, on behalf of Russian miners, said they are interested in exploring platinum deposits in Darwendale area, Mashonaland West province of Zimbabwe.

He added that his country is willing to assist Zimbabwe with agricultural equipment that will help the country revert to its food security role within the SADC region.

Zimbabwean Foreign minister, Sibusiso Moyo commended Russia for deploying an envoy to Harare.

He said it is an indication that the world is warming up to the new dispensation and also a sign of greater cooperation and things to come.

Lavrov is on a tour of Africa and has already visited Namibia, Mozambique, Angola. He is expected to land in Ethiopia on Friday for engagements with African Union officials.