On September 25, Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe hosted the 66thNational Day Reception & Farewell Reception for Ambassador Lin Lin and Madame. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Edgar Mbwembwe, Minister of Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators, Former Political Detainees and Restrictees Mr. Christopher Mutsvangwa, Minister of State for Liaising on Psychomotor Activities in Education Mr. Josiah Hungwe, Minister of State for Harare Province Ms. Miriam Chikukwa, Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Mr. Martin Dinha, Minister of State for Mashonaland West Mr. Faber Chidarikire, Minister of State for Masvingo Ms. Shuvai Mahofa 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 said that in the past 66 years, led by the Chinese Communist Party, the Chinese people have made great achievements that attracted world attention. In 2015, China has further promoted the comprehensive deepening of the reforms, registering a 7% economic growth in the first half of this year, contributing 30% to world economic growth. China has cemented friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation with countries around the world bylaunching the New Development Bank BRICS, initiating the Asia Infrastructure Development Bank, and implementing its Belt and Road Initiative, etc. China will also jointly host the FOCAC Summit with South Africa this December, which will definitelyfurther upgrade the China-Africa cooperation.

Ambassador Lin looked back on his over three-year tenure in Zimbabwe, saying that the past few years has been an exciting period of great development in all areas of bilateral relations. He also expressed his deep feelings for Zimbabwe and his Zimbabwean friends upon his departure.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Edgar Mbwembwe gave his remarks on behalf of the Zimbabwean side, expressing his congratulations to China and gratitude for China’s constant support and assistance in Zimbabwe’s sustainable development. He said that Zimbabwe is willing to work together with China to further deepen the all-weather friendship. He said that Ambassador Lin Lin has made tremendous contributions to the development of bilateral relations in all areas,which is greatly appreciated by the Zimbabwean side.

The reception was overwhelmed with friendship and enthusiasm. In order to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties, the Embassy also designed and produced a special booklet and a commemoration envelope to hand out to the guests as a gift. The Embassy also made a video clip about Ambassador Lin’s work and life in Zimbabwe, which was played during the function along with someshort films about China.