News / National
Chinese President Xi Jinping touches down in Zimbabwe
01 Dec 2015 at 13:34hrs | Views
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Zimbabwe on a two day state visit.
President Xi, who is accompanied by the Chinese First Lady, Peng Liyuan, was met at the Harare International Airport by President Robert Mugabe and the First Lady, Dr Grace Mugabe, who themselves arrived early this Tuesday morning from Paris, France where they attended the opening ceremony of the climate change conference (Cop21) yesterday.
Also at the airport to welcome President Xi were Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda, several ministers and service chiefs.
Upon his arrival, the Chinese leader was greeted with the singing of Zimbabwe and China's national anthems, which were preceded by a 21 gun salute which represents the highest honour given to a visiting head of state.
Thousands of people are lining along the Joshua Nkomo/Airport Road to welcome Cde Xi.
The Chinese leader will retire to his hotel room before joining his counterpart, President Mugabe at State House for closed door talks and signing of several bilateral agreements between the two countries.
Agreements expected to be signed are in the areas of agriculture, civil aviation, ICT, transport, energy and health.
The state visit precedes the China-Africa Co-operation Summit to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from the 4th to the 5th of December.
President Xi, who is accompanied by the Chinese First Lady, Peng Liyuan, was met at the Harare International Airport by President Robert Mugabe and the First Lady, Dr Grace Mugabe, who themselves arrived early this Tuesday morning from Paris, France where they attended the opening ceremony of the climate change conference (Cop21) yesterday.
Also at the airport to welcome President Xi were Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda, several ministers and service chiefs.
Upon his arrival, the Chinese leader was greeted with the singing of Zimbabwe and China's national anthems, which were preceded by a 21 gun salute which represents the highest honour given to a visiting head of state.
The Chinese leader will retire to his hotel room before joining his counterpart, President Mugabe at State House for closed door talks and signing of several bilateral agreements between the two countries.
Agreements expected to be signed are in the areas of agriculture, civil aviation, ICT, transport, energy and health.
The state visit precedes the China-Africa Co-operation Summit to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from the 4th to the 5th of December.
Source - zbc
