President Mugabe commends China and Russia for their undying support

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Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Saturday paid tribute to China and Russia for their continued support to Zimbabwe over the past 35 years of its political independence from Britain. Mugabe
Mugabe echoed the gratitude at an occasion to mark his country’ s 35th independence anniversary at the National Sport Stadium in Harare.
“I wish to thank all our all weather friends China, Russia and several others who after supporting us in the liberation struggle have continued to do so throughout our 35 years of independence. I say to them thank you, thank you most heartedly,” Mugabe said.
China and Russia have stood by Zimbabwe over the years, inking several economic deals with the southern African country to prop up its ailing economy which has suffered from a decade of economic sanctions from the West.
In 2008, Russia and China also vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution for military intervention into Zimbabwe which was at the time gripped by a political crisis.
Zimbabwe has said it will remain eternally grateful to China and Russia for this move.
At the celebrations, Mugabe rallied Zimbabweans to remain united and forge ahead with national development in the face of hurdles from enemies.
“The past three and a half decades have seen us resolute in consolidating and safeguarding our independence even in the face of seemingly insurmountable trials and tribulations.
“We have remained principled, focused and solidly united and we continue to forge ahead. I therefore warmly and sincerely congratulate every one of you on this auspicious day of our independence,” Mugabe said.
The president said there were several investors in the region and across the globe who were keen to partner the country in developing its economy and he urged the country to capitalize on the positive signal.
The economy was facing several challenges including an underperforming manufacturing, mining and agricultural sectors largely due to lack of investment and unreliable weather patterns, the president said.
He underscored the need for the country to develop its irrigation systems to counter persistent droughts that have been ravaging the country and ensure food security in the country.
The president said government in partnership with the World Bank will soon launch a 6.5 million U.S. dollar program to enhance the business operating environment in the country.
As the chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mugabe said he would push for industrialization of the region through enhanced value addition and beneficiation of natural resources. Zimbabwe will at the end of this month hold an extraordinary SADC heads of state and government summit on regional industrialization as the 15-member regional grouping moves to accelerate its industrialization and reverse a negative situation where the bulk of its mineral and agricultural products are exported in raw form.
Zimbabwe’s independence celebrations were held under the theme: “Zimbabwe@35:Consolidating Unity, Peace and Sovereignty”. Enditem

Source: Xinhua

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