Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe and Belarus are set to strengthen existing relations with the two countries expected to sign several bilateral deals following the arrival of Belarusian President in the country yesterday.
The Belarusian President, Alexander Lukashenko and his entourage arrived in the country yesterday for a three day State visit and was welcomed at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGM Airport) by President Mnangagwa and a jovial crowd.
President Mnangagwa described the visit as historic and said he was looking forward to a great interaction with his counterpart.
“Today (yesterday) Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, arrived in Zimbabwe for a historic three day State visit, his first such visit to a sub Saharan country. I look forward to exploring how our two great countries may work together and trade with each other in the future,” said President Mnangagwa.
Addressing journalists after the two Presidents had departed RGM Airport yesterday, the Dean of Africa Ambassadors to Zimbabwe; James Musoni said that the visit by President Lukashenko was a game changer for Zimbabwe.
“It’s a sign of good co-operation between Zimbabwe and Belarus. This takes the relations to another level,” said Ambassador Musoni.
Political commentator, Terrence Chipwanya said that the visit by President Lukashenko was a testimony of the success of President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement policy.
“The visit by President Lukashenko signifies Zimbabwe’s growing global influence and success of President Mnangagwa’s policy of a friend to all and enemy to none and also the Zimbabwe is Open for Business mantra as well as the engagement and re-engagement policy,” said Chipwanya.
Today the two Presidents are expected to have a meeting at State House and President Lukashenko will then visit the National Heroes Acre.
In 2019, President Mnangagwa visited Belarus and a number of deals were signed in various sectors including agriculture, mining, science and technology as well as infrastructure development.
