On September 25, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr. Lin Lin hosted a reception marking the 65thanniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. ZANU-PFSecretary for Information and Publicity Hon. Mr. Gumbo, Secretary for Youth Hon. Mr. Sikhosana, Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs Hon. Mrs Chikukwa and other senior officials, ambassadors, and about 400 guests from Zimbabwe and local Chinese community and Chinese enterprises attended the reception.

In his speech, Ambassador Lin gave a briefing of the great achievements China has made in the past 65 years and in 2014， and stressed that China is still a developing country and will always stand with developing countries.

Ambassador Lin also spoke highly of the achievements in bilateral relations. He said that the recent state visit to China by His Excellency President Mugabe greatly promoted political trust and pragmatic cooperation between the two countries. In 2013, Zimbabwe was the largest recipient of Chinese investment among African nations and one of the largest recipients of Chinese aid in Africa, and China was the largest source of investment in Zimbabwe. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges are playing an increasingly critical role in bilateral relations, advancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. Looking ahead, there are brighter prospects for China-Zimbabwe relations

On behalf of the Zimbabwean side, Amb. Chipaziwa, the Director of Africa, Asia and Pacific Department of Zimbabwean Foreign Ministry expressed his congratulations to China and gratitude for China’s constant support and assistance. He said that Zimbabwe is willing to work together with China to further deepen the all-weather friendship and implement the outcomes of President Mugabe’s State Visit to China.

The reception was overwhelmed with friendship and enthusiasm. The choir of the Confucius Institute of the University of Zimbabwe sang the national anthems of both countries. The Embassy also played a short video clip, held a photo exhibition and handed out brochures under the same theme of “China – Zimbabwe: Good Friends, Good Partners, Good Brothers” to present the fruitful bilateral relations, which were warmed applauded by the guests.