Zimbabwe embraces elevated ties

China and Zimbabwe have upgraded their relationship to an all-weather community with a shared future. This was announced by President Xi Jinping and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa when they met in Beijing on Thursday.

During the meeting, Xi said that the ever-deepening "five-star ironclad" friendship between the two countries has set an example for solidarity and cooperation between China and Africa, as well as among the Global South.

Xi reiterated China's unwavering support for Zimbabwe's independent development path, and its opposition to external interference and illegal sanctions, expressing the country's commitment to safeguarding the shared interests of both nations and the Global South.

He emphasized the need for both countries to seize the opportunity presented by the upgraded bilateral relationship to expand collaboration on infrastructure, mining, investment and trade.

He also expressed China's willingness to work with Zimbabwe to implement the outcomes of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing.

Both countries should advance the implementation of the Global Governance Initiative, promote the development of the International Organization for Mediation and bolster Global South cooperation to promote a more just and equitable international order, Xi added.

Mnangagwa said that the international community should bear in mind China's significant contributions to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and maintain a correct historical perspective on World War II.

He noted that the Zimbabwe-China relationship has become mature and resilient over its 45 years of history.

Contact the writer at caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn.