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'We please ourselves, not East or West,' says Mnangagwa
2 hrs ago |
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ZIMBABWE is a sovereign nation free to engage with any country on the basis of mutual respect and benefit, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said during a plenary session at the World Governments Summit (WGS).
Speaking at the session titled "Is the Next Decade African?", facilitated by journalist Tucker Carlson, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe conducts its international relations guided by what delivers the best outcomes for the country and its resources. The panel also featured Botswana President Duma Boko and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio.
"Well, my view is that initially, when we attained independence, much of our development thrust came from the West. However, as we evolved, we have also benefited from investment and cooperation from China," Mnangagwa said.
"Zimbabwe is a sovereign state, and we operate on the basis of what gives the best results for our resources. Whether it is relations with the West or the East, what is primarily important is what we, as Zimbabweans, are satisfied with. We do not need to please the West or the East; we please ourselves."
Mnangagwa added that relations between nations are shaped by historical contexts and evolve over time.
"Relations depend on the historical background between one country and another. That is the basis on which relations grow and are nurtured.
"For us in Zimbabwe, yes, we are a former British colony, but we are very happy with the relations that have developed with countries such as China and others, despite our colonial history."
His remarks underline Zimbabwe's focus on sovereignty and national interest as it navigates global partnerships and strategic investments.
Speaking at the session titled "Is the Next Decade African?", facilitated by journalist Tucker Carlson, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe conducts its international relations guided by what delivers the best outcomes for the country and its resources. The panel also featured Botswana President Duma Boko and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio.
"Well, my view is that initially, when we attained independence, much of our development thrust came from the West. However, as we evolved, we have also benefited from investment and cooperation from China," Mnangagwa said.
"Zimbabwe is a sovereign state, and we operate on the basis of what gives the best results for our resources. Whether it is relations with the West or the East, what is primarily important is what we, as Zimbabweans, are satisfied with. We do not need to please the West or the East; we please ourselves."
Mnangagwa added that relations between nations are shaped by historical contexts and evolve over time.
"Relations depend on the historical background between one country and another. That is the basis on which relations grow and are nurtured.
"For us in Zimbabwe, yes, we are a former British colony, but we are very happy with the relations that have developed with countries such as China and others, despite our colonial history."
His remarks underline Zimbabwe's focus on sovereignty and national interest as it navigates global partnerships and strategic investments.
Source - The Herald
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