President in China for FOCAC Summit
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has arrived in China for the 7th China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit which kicks off today (Monday
He was welcomed at the Beijing International Airport VIP section by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Retired Lieutenant General Sibusiso Moyo, who travelled ahead of the presidential delegation, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to China Ambassador Paul Chikawa, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ambassador Huang Ping and staff members from the Zimbabwe Embassy offices in Beijing, among others.
The President, was invited by his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping to attend the FOCAC Summit and the two heads of state are also scheduled to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit.
Soon after arrival in China, Cde Mnangagwa said, on his Twitter account, that he is proud to be representing Zimbabwe ‘at this important meeting as we continue to build a better future for our beloved nation.’
President Mnangagwa is accompanied by the First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa and government officials.
The world’s second leading economic powerhouse China is hosting the FOCAC Summit where President Xi is expected to announce new steps in China-Africa ties.
Cooperation between the Asian country and African countries will focus on industrial development, infrastructure, trade and investment, human resources development, science education, culture, health, environmental protection as well as peace and security.
The forum on China-Africa cooperation was established in 2000 as a multilateral platform for exchange and cooperation between the Asian giant and African countries.
The forum brings together 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China, the African Union Commission and China to make 55 members and Zimbabwe belongs to the grouping.