Published by the government of Zimbabwe
25 September 2009
Harare — The Chinese government values its traditional friendship with Zimbabwe and views the country as a trustworthy and important partner, Chinese Ambassador Xin Shunkang said yesterday.
Speaking at a reception to mark China's 60th anniversary, Mr Xin pledged to continue working for the enhancement of the bilateral relations.
"The Chinese Government and people value its traditional friendship with Zimbabwe, view Zimbabwe as a trustworthy friend and important partner," said Mr Xin who assumed office a month ago.
"China is ready to work with Zimbabwe to further strengthen the existing friendly relations and co-operation to bring more benefits to our people."
He said China firmly supported Zimbabwe during the liberation struggle and the bilateral relations had continued even after independence to date.
"The two countries have enjoyed frequent high level contacts, enhanced political mutual trust and ever deepening co-operation in such fields as economic development and trade, culture, education, health and regional affairs," he said.
"The Chinese side highly appreciates Zimbabwe's firm commitment to the One-China policy and its support of China's great cause of reunification."
China has in the past years assisted Zimbabwe in many areas such as transport, agriculture and the media.
Speaking at the same occasion Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Stan Mudenge said Zimbabwe's bilateral relations with China dates beyond the liberation struggle, as the two countries traded minerals during ancient times.
"I want to remind you that the relationship between Zimbabwe and China is older than the liberation struggle.
We used to export huge volumes of gold and ivory and people would not go to see the Chinese king without gold or ivory . . . That was a time associated with the glory of Zimbabwe," said Minister Mudenge who is also Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education.
"It was therefore (befitting) that when we struggled for independence, the first people who gave us meaningful assistance were the Chinese."
Minister Mudenge, who is also a historian, said it was therefore crucial for the international community to understand why Zimbabwe had a special relationship with China.
The minister commended the rapid growth of the Chinese economy, saying they were embracing good marketing principles.
Among those who attended the event were Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa; Justice and Legal Affairs Minister Patrick Chinamasa; Science and Technology Minister Heneri Dzinotyiwei; Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paurina Mpariwa; State Enterprises and Parastatals Minister Gabbuza Joel Gabuza; and Harare Mayor Muchadeyi Masunda.
Senior Government officials, diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe, and Zanu-PF Politburo members also attended the event.
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No word on that $5 billion loan that was supposed to be coming from China.That seems to have simply faded away.