Xi Jinping Commits To Enhanced Solidarity And Strategic Partnership With Africa

China and Zimbabwe have agreed to enhance their comprehensive strategic partnership and build a high-level community with a shared future. This decision was announced during Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa's state visit to China, which began on August 29.

President Xi Jinping welcomed President Mnangagwa at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two leaders witnessed the signing of several agreements on bilateral cooperation, including Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative, and avocado exports to China.

Xi highlighted the longstanding friendship between China and Zimbabwe, noting significant progress in political trust and cooperation. He proposed building a "five-star ironclad" cooperation framework focusing on politics, economy and trade, security, culture, and international coordination.

China supports Zimbabwe in protecting its sovereignty, security, and development interests while opposing external interference and illegal sanctions. Xi expressed China's willingness to align its development strategy with Zimbabwe's and expand cooperation in investment, trade, infrastructure, energy, minerals, clean energy, and the digital economy.

Xi congratulated Zimbabwe on its chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community. He emphasized China's commitment to strengthening international coordination with Zimbabwe to uphold international fairness and justice.

Commitment to Africa

Xi reiterated that relations with African countries are central to China's foreign policy. He stated that China supports African nations in pursuing independent development paths and becoming significant players in global politics, economics, and civilization.

Mnangagwa praised China's development achievements during his visits to various Chinese cities before arriving in Beijing. He commended China's reforms unveiled at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in July.

FOCAC Summit

Xi noted that FOCAC is crucial for enhancing solidarity between China and Africa. He expressed China's readiness to work with African countries to make the 2024 FOCAC Summit a milestone event for China-Africa relations.

"China's assistance has benefited Zimbabweans," Mnangagwa said. He reiterated Zimbabwe's commitment to the one-China policy and expressed readiness to continue working closely with China in southern Africa.

The visit underscores both nations' commitment to deepening their strategic partnership through enhanced cooperation across various sectors.

With inputs from WAM