The Sunday Mail
The visit to Zimbabwe by the Chinese State Counsellor Mr Yang Jiechi last week shows a firm commitment by Beijing to strengthen economic ties with Zimbabwe and implement mega deals signed between the two countries last year.
During his visit, Mr Yang, one of the highest-ranking officials in China’s government, met President Mugabe, Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko, other senior Government officials and business leaders.
In a briefing note, attache at China’s Embassy in Harare Ms Min Rui said Mr Jiechi underscored Beijing’s commitment to implementation of bilateral agreements forged during President Mugabe’s state visit to the Asian giant last August.
“This successful visit has further strengthened the political mutual trust between China and Zimbabwe, and pointed out the directions for the bilateral pragmatic co-operation in various areas,” she said.
“China hopes to maintain high-level exchanges and continue deepening practical co-operation in such areas as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, electric power, transportation, tourism and personnel training.
“Zimbabwe will learn from China’s development experience, establish special economic zones and industrial parks.”
During the visit, Mr Yang congratulated President Mugabe on his election as African Union Chair, saying the continent would benefit from his leadership qualities. He also conveyed greetings from President Xi Jinping to President Mugabe and handed him a birthday congratulatory letter signed by the Chinese leader. Mr Jiechi also held in-depth discussions with VP Mphoko who was invited to visit China to help further bolster co-operation between the two allies.
Mr Jiechi was accompanied by the high-ranking officials who included Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming, Vice Minister of Commerce Fang Aiqing and Mr Kong Quan, Vice M inister of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Directorate of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
