Presidents of China, Zimbabwe pledge greater cooperation

World Today

China-Zimbabwe relations: Presidents Xi, Mugabe pledge more cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in Beijing on Monday. Mugabe is in China to boost bilateral ties with a focus on economic cooperation.

Xi welcomed Mugabe with a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. The 90-year-old Zimbabwean president is on a five-day official visit to China at the invitation of President Xi.

Xi called Mugabe an old friend, respected by Chinese people. He said Mugabe’s visit will bring the two countries’ relationship to a new start.

“Chinese people value friendship. We will never forget the good friends and good brothers who have shown mutual understanding and support for China and who have stuck with us through thick and thin,” Xi said.

Mugabe said he feels at home in China and will never forget the help China has given Zimbabwe. He vowed to boost bilateral ties to a new high.

“I assure you that we are prepared on our part to continue our historical relations and even build on them,” Mugabe said.

According to Xi, China will help Zimbabwe to boost agricultural production and income through technology transfer. China would like to participate in building Zimbabwe’s economic zones and industrial zones, and cooperate in basic infrastructure, mining and manufacturing areas. The government will also encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Zimbabwe.

The two presidents witnessed the signing of nine agreements, including economic and technical cooperation, emergency food donations from China and a loan to develop a telecommunications network.

This is the Zimbabwean president’s fifth official visit to China. With economic development a top theme, he will meet with China’s premier and top legislator on Tuesday. He will also head to Xi’an city, as well as Guangzhou, where he’ll visit a diamond processing factory.

CCTV America’s Wu Guoxiu reports.