Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe and Belarus yesterday signed eight bilateral agreements meant to enhance cooperation in different sectors of the economy.
President Mnangagwa and his counterpart, President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus presided over the signing ceremony and they both expressed optimism that the agreements would help the development of both countries.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, President Mnangagwa said he was happy that these bilateral agreements would go a long way in modernizing and industrializing Zimbabwe.
“I am happy that this (the agreements) demonstrate the warm relations which exist between Harare and Minsk and this visit strengthens, deepens and consolidates our bilateral relations", said President Mnangagwa.
The agreements signed yesterday included the agreement to establish a Joint Permanent Commission and the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments.
Other agreements included the mutual recognition of educational qualifications, the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on property. The twinning agreement between the City of Harare and the City of Minsk as well as the contract between the Government of Zimbabwe and “Aftrade DMCC” on cooperation in the supply of Belarusian tractors and grain harvesting equipment was also signed.
President Mnangagwa said that some of the agreements signed yesterday would see the country manufacturing more timber for domestic use and export to Belarus.
An International Affairs specialist, Alex Chisora said that President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement policy was paying dividends as the country was now focusing on the economic diplomacy. He added that the relationship between Zimbabwe and Belarus would act as an example to other countries who doubted the country’s capabilities in the economic sector.
"The Second Republic under President Mnangagwa has shown the world that it is now focusing on economic diplomacy and less politics. The relations between Zimbabwe and Belarus are a sign that Zimbabwe is a friend to all and enemy to none. This move will act as a pull factor for other countries and investors who doubted the works of the Second Republic", said Chisora.
Meanwhile, the eight agreements signed yesterday serve the purpose of strengthening economic diplomatic ties, with Belarus offering much expertise in the areas of agriculture and mining while Belarus would also benefit from what Zimbabwe has to offer in terms of minerals.
