The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Correspondent
ZIMBABWE is keen on deepening and broadening bilateral cooperation with Turkey for the mutual benefit of the two countries, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister Dr David Musabayana has said.
Speaking at a reception to commemorate Turkey’s 99th Republic Day on Friday, Dr Musabayana said relations between Harare and Ankara continue to strengthen 40 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations.
“I fondly recall the visits that I undertook to Turkey to attend the inaugural Antalya Forum, as well as the Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit,” he said.
“Furthermore, there have been a number of high-level bilateral visits that testify the strengthened collaboration between Zimbabwe and Turkey.
“On our side, please, be assured that the commitment to the high-level invitation will be honoured.
“In the interim, let us work towards clearing all the outstanding legal documents and issues as this will unlock much greater collaboration between our two countries.”
Many Turkish companies, Dr Musabayana said, had expressed interest in investing in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is keen on tapping Turkey’s expertise in the textile, fertiliser, construction and infrastructure development sectors.
Discussions to have Turkish Airlines service Zimbabwe were at an advanced stage.
“The memoranda of understanding that the National Railways of Zimbabwe signed with Yapi Merkezi and the TCDD (State Railways of the Republic of Turkey) are a very positive step in the co-operation in infrastructure development.
“In addition, I am delighted to note that the first-ever Zimbabwe-Turkey Business Webinar was held last month with the participation of your Embassy and our mission in Ankara.
“I, therefore, call on both sides to use such platforms as springboards to boost our trade and commercial exchanges, which, sadly, remain disappointingly low,” he said.
He thanked the Turkish government for awarding 90 scholarships to Zimbabwean students who are studying medicine, engineering, international relations, agriculture and economics.
“The scholarships have, without doubt, increased capacity-building and have brought our two countries even closer.
“We are also grateful for the support rendered to our women in small and medium enterprises, as well as the community development and poverty alleviation projects that your Embassy has been supporting.”
Turkish Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mrs Berna Kasnakli Versteden said her country wants to enhance relations with Zimbabwe on all fronts.
“I have had the honour to experience first-hand the warmth of our relations. Zimbabwe opened an Embassy in Ankara in 2019, and this emphasises the commitment that both countries have to build stronger ties,” she said.
“We will be supporting our Zimbabwean friends in their quest for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development and prosperity based on equal partnership and mutual respect.”
