Source: Zim, E. Guinea take relations to higher level . . . set to sign key agreements today – herald
President Mnangagwa welcomes his Equatorial Guinea counterpart President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on arrival for a two-day State visit at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare yesterday.Debra Matabvu-Senior Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa and his Equatorial Guinea counterpart, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, are today expected to preside over the first Bi-National Commission (BNC), where several agreements are set to be signed.
The Equatorial Guinea President arrived in Harare yesterday for a two-day State visit aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries.
He was received at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by President Mnangagwa, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, senior Government officials and service chiefs.
He was accorded a 21-gun salute and inspected a Guard of Honour, before being taken to his hotel.
Last night, President Mnangagwa hosted a banquet at State House in honour of President Mbasogo.
Today, the two leaders are expected to co-chair the BNC, sign agreements and discuss new areas of cooperation.
During the visit, President Mbasogo is also expected to tour several historical, industrial and political sites in Harare, including the National Heroes Acre, Geo Pomona Waste Management Company and the Museum of African Liberation.
In an interview, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said the visit sought to strengthen relations and expand cooperation between the two countries.
“The purpose of the visit is to basically strengthen the relations between the two countries,” said Prof Murwira.
“We expect that there will be signing of instruments of cooperation between the two countries and also discuss various new potential areas of cooperation.
“He is also expected to visit some local sites.”
FROM LEFT: Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Ministers Professor Amon Murwira, Charles Tawengwa, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Ambassador Frederick Shava and Dr Zhemu Soda await the arrival of Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport yesterday. – Pictures: Believe Nyakudjara.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda recently said the inaugural session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) held in May was designed to promote regional and Pan-African cultural, economic and political integration; consolidate long-standing diplomatic ties; expand bilateral economic cooperation; and finalise legal instruments to deepen sectoral collaboration.
Among the key outcomes, Harare and Malabo committed to accelerating economic cooperation, regional integration and strengthening political and diplomatic consultations.
Specific areas of cooperation include trade promotion, education, rationalisation of visa fees, and collaboration in agriculture, wildlife management, fisheries, tourism and mining.
Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea enjoy warm relations dating back to the early 2000s, when Harare played a key role in foiling the 2004 coup attempt in Malabo that had been plotted by a group of mercenaries.
Since then, the two countries have maintained strong diplomatic relations.
President Mnangagwa visited Malabo in December 2022 to attend President Mbasogo’s inauguration. Zimbabwe was the only English-speaking country invited to the ceremony.
In 2023, President Mnangagwa also undertook a three-day visit to Equatorial Guinea, during which he was gifted a fully furnished presidential villa in Malabo by President Mbasogo.
The residence, named “Villa Zimbabwe”, is intended for use by the Zimbabwean Head of State during official visits to the Central African nation.
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