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Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe Held 2020 Spring Festival Reception
2020-01-20 15:28

On January 16, the Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe held the 2020 Spring Festival Reception. Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr. Guo Shaochun delivered his remarks, and Amb. Mazemo, Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade expressed his best wishes as the guest of honour. Hon. Minister Nzenza of Industry and Commerce, Hon. Minister Mutsvangwa of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Minister Chasi of Energy and Power Development, Hon. Minister Garwe of National Housing and Social Amenities, External Relations Secretary in ZANU-PF Cde. Mumbengegwi, Air Vice-Marshal Marangwand, Major General Moyo, officials from Zimbabwean Government, overseas Chinese in Zimbabwe, representatives of Chinese enterprises in Zimbabwe and guests from all walks of life around 600 in total attended the reception. Minister-counsellor of the Chinese Embassy Mr. Zhao Baogang served as the host.

In his speech, ambassador Guo Shaochun extended his Chinese New Year greetings to all the guests. He said that against the backdrop of unilateralism, protectionism and power politics, China has sent a positive signal of openness and cooperation and firmly adhere to the multilateral system featuring coordination, cooperation and consensus building. China's door for cooperation is always open to Africa. China-Africa cooperation is the flagship leading international cooperation with Africa. A few days ago, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid a successful visit to five African countries, including Zimbabwe. China's foreign minister has chosen Africa for his first overseas visit for three decades consecutively. This shows that no matter how the international situation may evolve, China-Africa friendship will remain strong for ever, and China will never forget its original intention to cooperate with Africa.

Ambassador Guo said that with the personal care and guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Emmerson Mnangagwa, China-Zimbabwe cooperation achieved fruitful results in various fields, including high-level exchanges, economic and trade cooperation, infrastructure construction and people-to-people exchanges. Meanwhile, the two countries are now at an important juncture of national development and national rejuvenation, and enjoy broad prospects for future cooperation. By 2020, China will complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and achieve its first centenary goal. The year 2020 will also mark the 40th anniversary of Zimbabwe's independence. It will be a crucial year for Zimbabwe to transform and upgrade its economy and realize its vision 2030.

 

Ambassador Guo stressed that the year 2020 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Zimbabwe. The two sides should draw on past experiences and create an even better future for bilateral relations. It's hoped that both sides could take the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties, work in synergy within the framework of "Belt and Road" initiative and Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, keeping the momentum of high-level exchanges, promoting exchanges on policy consultation, expanding the scheme of pragmatic cooperation, and enhancing people-to-people and cultural exchanges in order to elevate comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation to a higher level and bring tangible benefits to both countries and peoples.

Ambassador Guo expressed his gratitude to overseas Chinese and Chinese enterprises in Zimbabwe for their endeavor to support China-Zimbabwe relationship. He stressed that the very purpose of China's diplomacy is to serve the people. In year 2020 the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe will consistently provide consulate service and assistance for and protect the legitimate rights and interests of overseas Chinese in Zimbabwe. Meanwhile he encouraged overseas Chinese in Zimbabwe to continue to care about the development of the motherland, support the development of China-Zimbabwe relationship and jointly make greater contributions to enhance China-Zimbabwe friendship.

 

Ambassador Mazemo said that the zodiac of Chinese year 2020 is Rat, which means exploration and resourcefulness, and is believed to bring good luck to both our countries. The Zimbabwean side highly appreciates China's achievements in development under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, and he congratulated the Chinese people on realizing the goal of completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020. The Zimbabwean side spoke highly of the outcomes of the high-level exchanges and pragmatic cooperation between the two sides in 2019, and thanked the Chinese government for all the assistance it has provided to boost its economy. Zimbabwe would like to work with China to take the opportunity of celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties to implement the consensus reached during the high-level exchanges, advance bilateral cooperation in agriculture, energy, mining and tourism, and jointly write a new chapter in bilateral cooperation and build a community of shared future for mankind.

 

A photo exhibition of the achievements of China-Zimbabwe relations over the past 40 years was also set up at the reception. The contestants of the "Dream Star" and the Confucius institute choir sang Chinese songs, which were warmly applauded by the audience.

 

The reception was covered by major Zimbabwean media including the Herald, the daily news, the independent, as well as Zimbabwe's state television and radio. Ambassador Guo Shaochun and other officials of the Embassy took questions from the media respectively on the customs of celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year, the latest achievements of China-Zimbabwe cooperation and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Africa.

 

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