Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday moaned the passing on of the late former President of the People’s Republic of China Jiang Zemin.

The President visited the Chinese Embassy in Harare where he signed the book of condolences. The President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Dr Fredrick Shava.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of the former President of the People’s Republic of China H.E Jiang Zemin. In Cde Jiang Zemin, China and indeed the progressive world have lost a great Statesman and accomplished international diplomat who contributed to the greater co-operation between China and the international community,” the President said.

The President Mnangagwa also recalled his personal experiences with the late Chinese premiere during his State visit to Zimbabwe back in 1996. He further mentioned that the visit cemented the current cordial relations that Zimbabwe and China enjoy.

“I personally have fond memories of my personal interaction with the late Cde Jiang Zemin in 1996, when he paid a visit to Zimbabwe on a State visit and I was assigned by the late President R. G Mugabe to accompany him. The visit was successful and cemented the excellent relations we enjoy today between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China. May I once again express my deepest condolences to the people of the People’s Republic of China and the family of Cde Jiang Zemin on this loss,” he added.

Zimbabwe and China’s relationship has been mutually beneficial with the former receiving assistance in various sectors such as mining, infrastructural development and health grants. As Zimbabweans enjoy the healthy ties between the two countries that date back to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, fallen heroes such as Cde Jiang Zemin will always be remembered for fostering the “all-weather friends” relationship between Zimbabwe and China. The late President Jiang Zemin was President of China from 1993 to 2003.