By: Natasha Archary
Russian President Vladimir Putin has gifted Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa a brand new helicopter at the Russia-Africa summit in St. Peterburg.
Putin called Zimbabwe, ‘Russia’s reliable ally on the African continent,’ and said both countries have established a solid, reliable and friendly tie which dates back to when Zimbabwe fought for their independence.
“Russia highly values your personal contribution to strengthening cooperation between our two countries in all areas.
There is positive momentum in our political dialogue, including inter-parliamentary ties.
Our respective ministries of sport and culture intend to sign bilateral memorandums of understanding on the sidelines of this summit. This will help strengthen our humanitarian relations and ties.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin in dialogue with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the Russia-Africa summit
Putin said both Russia and Zimbabwe have common or close views on most current issues on the international agenda, and Zimbabwe supports Russia’s foreign political initiatives at the UN.
Thousands of Zimbabwean students are also provided grants to study in Russia, and there are currently 1 200 Zimbabwean students at Russian universities.
The Zim President meanwhile, thanked Putin for Russia’s economic cooperation with his country.
“On economic cooperation, as we forge ahead, Your Excellency, it is indeed important for our two sides to work harder to further deepen bilateral trade and commercial exchanges.
In this regard, the implementation of the areas reviewed at the fourth session of the Zimbabwe-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Technical and Scientific Cooperation in May 2023 must be sped up.
Your Excellency, I acknowledge the investments in diamond mining by Alrosa, which has significantly contributed to the country’s development.”
The helicopter was a gift to Mnangagwa and will, according to Zimbabwe’s government spokesperson, Nick Mangwana, be taking to Zim skies soon.
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