Zim-China relations go a step further

Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s senior official and Vice Chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Cde Jiang Xinzhi, arrived in the country yesterday on an official visit that is expected to see him meet President Mnangagwa today.

A key component of the CCP's united front structure is the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, which is now sitting as China's highest political advisory body. Cde Jiang was greeted by Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, the national chairman of Zanu PF, at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare. He stated that his visit was a follow-up to the significant agreements made by Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Mnangagwa, which followed "win-win cooperation" between the two nations. According to Cde Jiang, "the primary reason the CCP delegation is in Zimbabwe is to implement the significant agreement struck by the two Heads of State to further enhance China-Zimbabwe Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation."

In order to strengthen our ability for governance, "(We shall engage in) partnerships to deepen our party-to-party exchanges and to compare notes with each other on our practices and experiences concerning party building and governance. "We cooperate and exchange in a win-win manner." Cde Jiang said Zimbabwe and China share a rich history that dates back to the liberation struggle when Beijing supported Harare. He claimed that as a result, there has been reciprocal cross-cutting support on both international fora and the domestic problems of the two nations.

"Since the fight for national liberation, China and Zimbabwe have maintained cordial relations for a long time. The Chinese people and the Communist Party of China back then enthusiastically backed Zimbabwe's liberation movement. Particularly since the CCP and Zanu PF first established diplomatic ties in the early 1980s, we have seen regular high-level meetings between the two parties in addition to productive strategic dialogue and mutual learning. Government to government, we have worked with Zimbabwe to improve mutual understanding and collaboration, as well as to invest and carry out some building projects together.

"The two nations have been supporting each other on various issues at the global level, particularly issues pertaining to our core interests," he stated. Physical distance notwithstanding, Cde Jiang stated that China and Zimbabwe were "close in heart." He anticipated a thorough exchange of ideas, mutual learning, and the sharing of best practices over the next two days between the two countries' political parties, countries, and people. "Our visit will be successful with the full support of Zanu PF and His Excellency (President Mnangagwa)." All of this, I think, will make our cordial connections stronger," he remarked.

Cde Jiang conveyed his gratitude for the cordial welcome given to his delegation, stating that it demonstrated the close relationship between the two nations. "We express our gratitude to Zimbabwe and Zanu PF for the meticulous and considerate arrangements. We especially appreciate Cde Chairperson Muchinguri-Kashiri's travel to the airport to greet us. This demonstrates how much value you place on our state-to-state and party-to-party relations," he remarked. "We welcome you in the spirit of the very strong relationship which exists between Zanu PF and the CCP as well as the two governments, Heads of State, and the people of Zimbabwe," said Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also the Minister of Defense.

Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri said that the reciprocal visits between the two countries are proof of their cordial relations. "We are happy that Zimbabwe and China enjoy political, socio-economic relationships. We have continued to exchange delegations at very high levels. President Xi Jinping visited Zimbabwe in 2015, and we also welcomed the Vice Chair when there was the inauguration of our President, our President has visited China quite a number of times," she said. "We welcome you with the understanding that you are here to exchange notes with us, to share ideas which are all aimed at growing our relationship which dates back to the time of the liberation struggle."

The visit is also in line with Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement drive.