Zimbabwe and China have reaffirmed their long-standing bilateral relations, rooted in shared liberation history, with Beijing pledging deeper cooperation to support Zimbabwe’s national development agenda.
The renewed commitment was highlighted yesterday when the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe hosted a reception in Harare for Veterans of the Liberation Struggle. The event underscored the historical foundations of the two nations’ ties and celebrated decades of solidarity.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, read a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed to Zimbabwe’s war veterans. In the letter, President Xi reiterated China’s enduring support for Zimbabwe and its willingness to further expand cooperation.
“The friendship between China and Zimbabwe was forged in the fires of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. At a time when China itself faced significant challenges, we stood firmly with our Zimbabwean and African brothers, offering unwavering political support, critical military training and substantial material assistance.
“Our veterans, including many here today, transformed the knowledge and skills gained in China into strength for Zimbabwe’s liberation and forged an unbreakable bond between our two nations. I wish to pay the highest tribute to your historic contributions,” President Xi said.
Zimbabwe-China Friendship Association chairperson, Webster Shamu, said the response from the Chinese leadership reflects the strength and depth of relations between the two countries.
“Today marks a historical era in the history of China and Zimbabwe. We are gathered here to receive a response to a letter written by the War Veterans of Zimbabwe to the President of China. Despite his tight schedule, the prompt response underscores the importance of our veterans to solidarity, peace and development,” he said.
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle also expressed appreciation for China’s role during Zimbabwe’s independence struggle.
Deputy Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Cde Headman Moyo, said China did not merely offer words of solidarity, it provided concrete support through military training, political education, and ideological grounding to our cadres who were preparing to liberate our country.
