Zimbabwe, Russia pledge to bolster ties . . .President Putin hails Harare as a reliable partner

Kuda Bwititi in MOSCOW, Russia

PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow yesterday, where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation between Zimbabwe and the Russian Federation.

The high-level diplomatic engagement took place at the Kremlin, a day after President Mnangagwa attended Russia’s 80th Victory Day commemorations, which marked the anniversary of the Soviet Union’s triumph in the Great Patriotic War (World War II).

In his remarks during the meeting, President Mnangagwa expressed Zimbabwe’s desire to deepen cooperation across various sectors.

Presently, Harare and Moscow are collaborating in sectors that include mining, defence, science and technology.

“We value the opportunity to once again hold discussions to deepen and strengthen our existing bilateral cooperation,” said President Mnangagwa.

After attending the historic 80th Victory Day celebrations, where Chinese President Xi Jinping was the guest of honour, the President extended warm congratulations to President Putin and the Russian people for the momentous occasion.

“Allow me, Your Excellency, on behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe — and indeed on my own behalf — to formally extend our heartfelt congratulations to you and the people of the Russian Federation on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War,” he said.

President Mnangagwa praised the commemorations and military parade held on Friday, describing them as a powerful symbol of Russian resilience and courage.

“I also congratulate you, Your Excellency, and dear brother, for the memorable commemorations and the military parade we witnessed yesterday (Friday).

“That victory 80 years ago will stand for generations to come as a powerful testament of courage, resilience and sacrifice of the Russian people in securing peace, freedom, truth and justice for the people of this great country.

“It was the defining triumph of the human spirit over tyranny and oppression.”

Zimbabwe, he added, joins the global community in remembering and honouring the fallen heroes of the Great Patriotic War, acknowledging the immense sacrifices made by the Russian people in pursuit of world peace.

“In the spirit of collective remembrance of the fallen, the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War, Zimbabwe further honours and salutes the immense sacrifices borne by the Russian Federation and its peoples in pursuit of freedom and world peace, which we all now enjoy.”

Speaking during the meeting, President Putin expressed appreciation for President Mnangagwa’s participation in the anniversary celebrations.

He hailed Zimbabwe as a reliable partner on the African continent.

“We are grateful to you for representing your country at the festivities dedicated to the celebration of the 80th anniversary in the Great Patriotic War,” said President Putin.

“We remember that Zimbabwe, which was back then Southern Rhodesia, was home to a training centre where the allies were training pilots for combat.

“Zimbabwe has been our reliable partner on the African continent.”

Harare and Moscow, he said, will celebrate their 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

He said President Mnangagwa is “always a welcome guest here”.

“Last year, we had great negotiations on the margins of the St Petersburg Economic Forum.

“Our trade turnover figures are modest now, with great prospects of increasing in many areas, including geological prospecting and agriculture.

“Last year, we supplied 25 000 tonnes of grain, tens of thousands of tonnes of fertilisers and made allocations to the World Food Programme.

“Russia and Zimbabwe share positions on most topics on the international agenda.

“We advocate the construction of a just, multipolar world based on international equality.

“We value your support for Russia initiatives at the United Nations and other multilateral platforms.

“Of course, Russia places special importance on strengthening its ties with countries on the African continent.”

Following their opening remarks, Presidents Mnangagwa and Putin held a private bilateral meeting to explore ways of strengthening cooperation across political, diplomatic and economic spheres.

The high-level discussions sought to solidify existing partnerships while identifying new opportunities for mutual growth and collaboration between Zimbabwe and Russia.

The two countries enjoy longstanding ties rooted in mutual respect and support, particularly in areas such as energy, agriculture, mining, defence and education.

Diplomatic engagements between Harare and Moscow have intensified in recent years, with the two leaders reiterating their commitment to continued collaboration despite growing global geopolitical tensions.

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