2014-08-25 16:16:00

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on an official visit to China


(Vatican Radio) Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is on visit to China and was greeted Monday with great fanfare and compliments, in Beijing, by his counterpart Xi Jinping. According to AFP, Mugabe is in China to try and secure Chinese investments with the view to revive Zimbabwe’s troubled economy. Zimbabwe’s economy is said to be facing serious recession.

"You are a renowned leader of the African National Liberation Movement with immense prestige in Africa, an old friend of the Chinese people that we respect enormously," said President Jinping. The language was in great contrast to the usually very formal and diplomatic tones used by Beijing’s leaders. Only weeks ago, President Mugabe was snubbed by the United States who did not invite him to a summit of African leaders that was hosted by President Barack Obama, in Washington.

At Monday’s reception in China’s Great Hall of the People, in Tiananmen Square, President Jinping told President Mugabe that traditional ties between China and Zimbabwe were forged many years ago by both countries fighting together against imperialism, colonialism and hegemonism.

"We feel at home here," replied President Mugabe. He went on to say, "we are ready to continue our relationship and use it to strengthen our economies. And Zimbabwe will naturally be the beneficiary".

According to AFP, this is the thirteenth visit to China by President Mugabe. Recently, the two-day Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government summit held in Zimbabwe elevated Pesident Mugabe to the Chairmanship of the group’s fifteen member-countries. The ascension of President Mugabe to the chairmanship of SADC places him in an important position with regard to investment negotiations that China might want to engage-in with the region.

It would appear that President Mugabe, defiant as ever, is determined to be a key player in Africa’s major affairs. Next January, President Mugabe is expected to become the Africa Union’s Chairperson.

(Paul Samasumo) engafrica@vatiradio.va

 








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