Zimbabwe, China deepen cooperation on liberation war veterans' welfare

BEIJING – Zimbabwe and China have agreed to strengthen cooperation in veterans' affairs following high‑level discussions between the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Senator Monicah Mavhunga, and Chinese officials aimed at enhancing the welfare of liberation war veterans and preserving the shared liberation history of the two countries.

Speaking during the meeting in Beijing, Senator Mavhunga expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded to the Zimbabwean delegation, saying it reflected the enduring friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that has characterised relations between Harare and Beijing for decades.

She paid tribute to China's support during Zimbabwe's liberation struggle, noting that Beijing's solidarity played a significant role in the country's attainment of independence in 1980.

"We received your invitation for Zimbabwean veterans who trained in China, and myself accompanied by officials from my ministry to visit China. This is not just a walk down memory lane but an initiative to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Zimbabwe and China in veterans' affairs," she said.

The Minister said the visit created an opportunity for the two countries to exchange experiences and best practices on veterans' welfare, rehabilitation, empowerment and recognition, while exploring institutional partnerships, research collaboration and capacity building.

Senator Mavhunga said the Second Republic, under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has prioritised improving the welfare of liberation war veterans through programmes focusing on economic empowerment, healthcare, housing and skills development.

She added that Government has also intensified efforts to preserve the country's liberation history and promote patriotism among younger generations as part of efforts to achieve Vision 2030.

"In line with Vision 2030, we have embarked on an exercise to digitise veterans' records and strengthen institutional capacity. However, our technical expertise and resources are constrained, and we look forward to mutual engagement to achieve this," she said.

The Minister outlined key areas where Zimbabwe is seeking closer cooperation with China, including capacity building and technical assistance, healthcare and rehabilitation services for veterans, digital records management, research and documentation of liberation history, preservation of the liberation legacy, and sustainable economic empowerment programmes for veterans and their dependants.

She reaffirmed Zimbabwe's commitment to deepening bilateral relations with China, saying stronger collaboration in veterans' affairs would reinforce the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

"Zimbabwe remains committed to deepening bilateral relations with the People's Republic of China under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Enhanced cooperation in veterans' affairs will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual respect between our two countries," she said.

Senator Mavhunga said the liberation histories of Zimbabwe and China remain a powerful reminder that the sacrifices of veterans laid the foundation for peace, sovereignty and national development.

"It is our collective responsibility to honour those sacrifices through meaningful programmes that safeguard the welfare, dignity and legacy of our veterans while strengthening the enduring friendship between our two countries," she said.