Senior Chinese diplomat jets in

Harare Bureau 

CHINA’s senior diplomat and Politburo member of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Mr Yang Jiechi, jetted into the country yesterday for a high-level visit expected to further strengthen co-operation between the two friendly countries. 

Mr Yang is set to hold talks with President Mnangagwa today. The top official has a prominent role in China’s relations as he heads the CPC’s Foreign Affairs Commission. He has previously served as the country’s Foreign Minister. His visit reflects the importance that China’s Government and the CPC attach to relations between Harare and Beijing.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Fredrick Shava received Mr Yang at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport last night. Speaking to journalists after welcoming him, Ambassador Shava said the visit was of strategic importance and will boost the already flourishing bi-lateral relations between the two countries.

“It’s a friendly visit. We are countries which have extremely good relations. We are strategic partners and from time to time friends visit each other and this is why Mr Yang Jiechi is here from the Chinese Government and he is in charge of foreign relations in the CCP. We will pursue matters of strategic partnership,” said Ambassador Shava.

China has become Zimbabwe’s largest source of investment while trade between the two countries hit a record $1, 9 billion in 2021. On the political front, Zanu-PF and the CPC have close ties and regularly exchange visits. 

In 2018, relations between the two countries were elevated following President Mnangagwa’s State visit to China where several deals were clinched and the Asian giant gave much-needed momentum to Zimbabwe’s thrust of rebuilding the economy. 

The recently completed New Parliament building was constructed through a grant from the Chinese government, a testament of the cordial relations between Harare and Beijing.

Mr Yang leaves Harare today.