Talks with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa

The meeting between Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa took place at the Palace of Independence on 14 May.

The heads of state discussed the bilateral cooperation, progress in the implementation of existing projects and prospects for new ones, including in trade, economy and investment.

“We highly appreciate the friendship with your country, your people. We are united by common approaches to the formation of a just world order based on the sovereign equality of all states, multilateralism, respect for the UN Charter and international law,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

“I would like to emphasize once again that you are always a welcome guest for us in Belarus, and Belovezhskaya Pushcha has already become a dear place for you. Come here any day, any time with your wife and family. Spend time here in this comfortable climate, not as hot as your summer is,” the Belarusian President invited.

As for bilateral cooperation, he emphasized that there is no need to convince Zimbabwe of the responsible attitude of the Belarusian partners, their readiness to fulfill the signed agreements with strict commitment and on time. “We will always stay loyal to this principle. You can be sure of it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

"Our bilateral cooperation serves as a model for working with African countries. Considering this high standard, we have tried to provide you and all members of your delegation with an extensive program. I am confident that this visit will give a strong impetus to the brotherhood and partnership between the peoples of Belarus and Zimbabwe," the head of state said. "In recent years, our countries have advanced political relations to a new level, significantly expanded trade and economic interaction and established a solid legal framework for cooperation."

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that a lot has been done since the historic highest-level negotiations in Harare in 2023. The countries have set up a joint commission, established direct dialogue between ministries and companies and expanded humanitarian and cultural contacts.

"Together, our countries have achieved tangible practical results," the Belarusian leader emphasized.

One example is the joint program of mechanization of Zimbabwe's agriculture, which Aleksandr Lukashenko called a true model of honest, open and productive cooperation. Thanks to this program, the wheat harvest in Zimbabwe has already increased more than threefold. Since 2022, Zimbabwe has been fully meeting its domestic wheat needs and has started exporting the surplus to neighboring countries (Mozambique, Botswana).

"We continue to work with a focus on sustaining these harvests and further strengthening food security of Zimbabwe and Southern Africa as a whole. Zimbabwe is a gateway for us to other countries. By this example of our joint work, other countries of the African continent see that there is a real alternative to the exploitation and diktat of the West and transnational corporations," the Belarusian head of state said.

Belarus is ready to receive more students from Zimbabwe. "More than 60 students from your country are currently enrolled in Belarusian universities majoring in agrarian, medical and technology programs. We are ready to host more, if necessary," the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also noted that the countries have intensified industrial cooperation: “I am confident that the agreements signed in April this year to create a joint bus production facility in Zimbabwe will be successfully implemented.”

The two counties continue to cooperate in mutual food supplies (dry milk, juices, fruits, etc.), healthcare and pharmaceutical deliveries, science and technology.

“We are ready to scale up the accumulated experience. Belarus can become a reliable partner for Zimbabwe in the implementation of modern technologies in waste recycling, digitalization, peaceful use of nuclear energy, and cooperation in space exploration,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

"Certainly, we also have issues that prevent us from reaching a stable mutual trade of nearly $100 million by 2030 at the pace we would like. We need to tackle these issues. This is why we are conducting these negotiations," the Belarusian leader summarized.