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Mnangagwa secures partnerships in Vatican, China and Eswatini
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday returned home after completing a three-legged diplomatic tour that took him to the Vatican, China, and Eswatini, in what government officials described as a successful mission to secure partnerships and reinforce Zimbabwe's policy of engagement and re-engagement.
The Head of State was welcomed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by his deputies, Vice-Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, along with senior government officials. Speaking to journalists on arrival, Mnangagwa said the visits were fruitful and aligned with his administration's drive for economic diplomacy.
The President's tour began at the Vatican, where he met Pope Leo XIV. Discussions centred on the Catholic Church's long-standing contribution to Zimbabwe's education and health sectors through its extensive network of schools and hospitals. Mnangagwa described the reception as "out of this world," saying it reflected honour for Zimbabwe as a nation.
From Rome, Mnangagwa travelled to Beijing, a country with which Zimbabwe shares deep historical ties dating back to the liberation struggle. His visit coincided with commemorations of the 80th Anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. He also met Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the two leaders elevated bilateral relations from "Five Star Ironclad Friendship" to an "All Weather Zimbabwe-China Community with a Shared Future."
During his stay, Mnangagwa secured a landmark US$600 million deal with China Railway International Group for the rehabilitation of Zimbabwe's railway system, part of efforts to modernise infrastructure and position the country as a regional logistics hub. He also held talks with Chinese companies interested in investing in Zimbabwe across various sectors.
"I trained in China in 1965 as one of the first groups of freedom fighters, and to see the transformation of that country today was remarkable," he said, adding that the visit reaffirmed the strength of Zimbabwe's revolutionary ties with Beijing.
The President concluded his diplomatic offensive in Eswatini, where he held a State visit aimed at deepening cooperation between the two Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states.
Officials said the trip not only reinforced Zimbabwe's strategic alliances but also opened new avenues for investment and development cooperation in line with the Second Republic's foreign policy.
The Head of State was welcomed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by his deputies, Vice-Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, along with senior government officials. Speaking to journalists on arrival, Mnangagwa said the visits were fruitful and aligned with his administration's drive for economic diplomacy.
The President's tour began at the Vatican, where he met Pope Leo XIV. Discussions centred on the Catholic Church's long-standing contribution to Zimbabwe's education and health sectors through its extensive network of schools and hospitals. Mnangagwa described the reception as "out of this world," saying it reflected honour for Zimbabwe as a nation.
From Rome, Mnangagwa travelled to Beijing, a country with which Zimbabwe shares deep historical ties dating back to the liberation struggle. His visit coincided with commemorations of the 80th Anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. He also met Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the two leaders elevated bilateral relations from "Five Star Ironclad Friendship" to an "All Weather Zimbabwe-China Community with a Shared Future."
During his stay, Mnangagwa secured a landmark US$600 million deal with China Railway International Group for the rehabilitation of Zimbabwe's railway system, part of efforts to modernise infrastructure and position the country as a regional logistics hub. He also held talks with Chinese companies interested in investing in Zimbabwe across various sectors.
"I trained in China in 1965 as one of the first groups of freedom fighters, and to see the transformation of that country today was remarkable," he said, adding that the visit reaffirmed the strength of Zimbabwe's revolutionary ties with Beijing.
The President concluded his diplomatic offensive in Eswatini, where he held a State visit aimed at deepening cooperation between the two Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states.
Officials said the trip not only reinforced Zimbabwe's strategic alliances but also opened new avenues for investment and development cooperation in line with the Second Republic's foreign policy.
Source - The Chronicle
