President Emmerson Mnangagwa has received diplomatic credentials from Russia’s Ambassador-Designate, Sergei Berdnikov, who pledged to preserve the strong political ties between Zimbabwe and the Russian Federation while expanding cooperation in key economic sectors.
Ambassador Berdnikov presented his credentials at State House in Harare and said, after the ceremony, that his immediate focus would be to deepen the long-standing bilateral ties by expanding economic engagement between the two countries.
“The priority will be to sustain the strong political relations between our two countries while expanding economic cooperation across key sectors,” Ambassador Berdnikov said.
He identified mining, energy, electrification, agriculture and agricultural mechanisation as sectors offering significant opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the two nations.
“Mining, energy, electrification, agriculture and agricultural mechanisation are areas with significant potential for collaboration,” he said.
The ambassador added that Zimbabwe and Russia were committed to broadening cooperation beyond traditional sectors by strengthening partnerships in science, technology and other strategic fields that can contribute to sustainable development.
“Both nations are also keen to strengthen partnerships in science, technology and other strategic fields to advance mutual development goals.
The expansion of economic cooperation would build on the solid political relations that have characterised ties between Zimbabwe and Russia over the years,” he added.
The presentation of credentials formally marks the beginning of Ambassador Berdnikov’s diplomatic mission in Zimbabwe, where he will represent the interests of the Russian Federation while working to promote trade, investment and broader bilateral cooperation.
Zimbabwe and Russia have maintained close diplomatic relations for decades, with both countries continuing to pursue cooperation in mining, energy, education, agriculture and defence.
In recent years, the two nations have intensified efforts to increase investment and promote technology transfer as part of broader initiatives to strengthen economic partnerships.
