News / National
Mnangagwa earns a rare round of applause in Dubai
2 hrs ago |
354 Views
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa earned a rare round of applause on Wednesday after declaring that Zimbabwe will not seek to please either the West or the East when it comes to exploiting its natural resources, but will instead act in its own national interest.
Mnangagwa made the remarks at the ongoing World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, while responding to a question from session host Tucker Carlson on how Zimbabwe's relations with the West compare to its experience with the East over the past 150 years.
Speaking on a high-level panel that also included Botswana President Duma Boko and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe values contributions from all partners, regardless of historical ties.
"Initially, as we became independent, most of our development thrust was from the West, but as we evolved, we have also benefited from investment and cooperation from countries like China," Mnangagwa said.
"Zimbabwe is a sovereign state. We move on the basis that these are the best results of our resources, whether in relation to the West or the East.
"What is primarily important is what we as Zimbabweans are satisfied with. We do not need to please the East or West, we please ourselves," he said, drawing applause from delegates—something he has often missed during past United Nations General Assembly addresses.
His remarks come at a time when geopolitical competition over Africa's vast mineral wealth is intensifying. While concerns over exploitation and abuse linked to some Chinese business operations on the continent have grown, Western countries are also seeking to reassert influence and counter China's dominance in the race for strategic resources.
Zimbabwe is central to that competition. The country boasts Africa's largest lithium reserves, ranking among the world's top deposits, with proven reserves estimated at about 310 000 metric tonnes. Lithium is a critical mineral in the production of electric vehicle batteries and other new-generation energy technologies.
Zimbabwe is also endowed with rich gold resources, with more than 4 000 known gold deposits, some of which are considered among the richest globally.
Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe's foreign relations must be understood within historical contexts.
"Relations cannot be measured country by country. They depend on the historical background of countries—that is the basis on which they grow and are nurtured," he said.
"We are a former British colony, but we are very happy with the relations that have developed between us and countries such as China, despite being a former British colony."
The World Governments Summit, held annually since 2013, brings together global leaders in Dubai to discuss governance, futurism, technology, innovation, and international cooperation.
Mnangagwa made the remarks at the ongoing World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, while responding to a question from session host Tucker Carlson on how Zimbabwe's relations with the West compare to its experience with the East over the past 150 years.
Speaking on a high-level panel that also included Botswana President Duma Boko and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe values contributions from all partners, regardless of historical ties.
"Initially, as we became independent, most of our development thrust was from the West, but as we evolved, we have also benefited from investment and cooperation from countries like China," Mnangagwa said.
"Zimbabwe is a sovereign state. We move on the basis that these are the best results of our resources, whether in relation to the West or the East.
"What is primarily important is what we as Zimbabweans are satisfied with. We do not need to please the East or West, we please ourselves," he said, drawing applause from delegates—something he has often missed during past United Nations General Assembly addresses.
His remarks come at a time when geopolitical competition over Africa's vast mineral wealth is intensifying. While concerns over exploitation and abuse linked to some Chinese business operations on the continent have grown, Western countries are also seeking to reassert influence and counter China's dominance in the race for strategic resources.
Zimbabwe is central to that competition. The country boasts Africa's largest lithium reserves, ranking among the world's top deposits, with proven reserves estimated at about 310 000 metric tonnes. Lithium is a critical mineral in the production of electric vehicle batteries and other new-generation energy technologies.
Zimbabwe is also endowed with rich gold resources, with more than 4 000 known gold deposits, some of which are considered among the richest globally.
Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe's foreign relations must be understood within historical contexts.
"Relations cannot be measured country by country. They depend on the historical background of countries—that is the basis on which they grow and are nurtured," he said.
"We are a former British colony, but we are very happy with the relations that have developed between us and countries such as China, despite being a former British colony."
The World Governments Summit, held annually since 2013, brings together global leaders in Dubai to discuss governance, futurism, technology, innovation, and international cooperation.
Source - online
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
