Zimbabwe and Russia Strengthen Bilateral Ties as Putin Praises Harare as Reliable Partner
By Kuda Bwititi | MOSCOW, Russia
Historic Meeting at the Kremlin
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at the Kremlin yesterday, reaffirming their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation between their nations. The high-level diplomatic engagement followed President Mnangagwa’s participation in Russia’s 80th Victory Day commemorations marking the Soviet Union’s triumph in World War II.
Expanding Cooperation Across Key Sectors
During the meeting, President Mnangagwa emphasized Zimbabwe’s desire to strengthen collaboration with Russia across multiple sectors. Currently, the two nations are working together in:
- Mining and mineral exploration
- Defense and security
- Science and technology development
- Agricultural cooperation
- Energy infrastructure
Commemorating Shared History
President Mnangagwa praised Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, calling them “a powerful testament of courage, resilience and sacrifice.” He extended Zimbabwe’s congratulations for the 80th anniversary of what Russians call the Great Patriotic War.
“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,” Mnangagwa stated.
Russia Hails Zimbabwe as Strategic Partner
President Putin acknowledged Zimbabwe’s historical significance, recalling that Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) hosted Allied pilot training centers during WWII. He emphasized Russia’s commitment to strengthening ties with African nations, particularly Zimbabwe.
Key Areas of Growing Cooperation:
- Agricultural support including grain and fertilizer supplies
- Geological prospecting and mining development
- United Nations and multilateral platform collaboration
- Advocacy for a multipolar world order
The two leaders noted that 2024 marks 45 years of diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and Russia. Their private bilateral meeting explored new opportunities for economic and political collaboration.
Strengthening Longstanding Ties
The Moscow meeting builds on growing diplomatic engagement between Harare and Moscow. Both nations have intensified cooperation in recent years despite global geopolitical tensions, with mutual interests in:
- Energy development
- Agricultural modernization
- Defense and security cooperation
- Educational exchanges
The discussions aimed to solidify existing partnerships while identifying new areas for mutual growth between the two nations.
Source: The Herald