Harare New Ziana)-President Emmerson Mnangagwa will next week travel to Russia to attend the second Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.

This will not be the first time for President Mnangagwa to be in Russia, as he went to the eastern European country in 2019 on a state visit.

In a statement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade spokesperson Livit Mugejo said President Mnangagwa’s visit would also be an opportunity for Zimbabwe and Russia to sign several cooperation agreements.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade wishes to advise that His Excellency (H.E), the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is earmarked to attend the Second Russia Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum to be held in St Petersburg, in the Russian Federation, between 27-28 July 2023.

“H.E President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Dr Frederick Shava and senior government officials. The Forum presents an opportunity to exchange notes on bilateral and international issues of mutual interest and concern and also serves as a significant event in bolstering our relations further.

“Leveraging on the foundations of the inaugural Russia-Africa Summit, which was held in Sochi, in the Russian Federation, in October 2019, the imminent Economic and Humanitarian Forum will present an opportunity to further enhance cooperation. Zimbabwe and Russia are set to sign a number of MOUs/Agreements during the Forum,” said Mugejo.

Russia pledged to continue strengthening its co-operation with Zimbabwe and other friendly nations, and called for the lifting of sanctions that some Western countries imposed on Harare.

The Second Republic under President Mnangagwa has shifted government focus from politics to economics, whose centrepiece has been engagement and re-engagement with the wider world to help secure trade and investment opportunities for the country.

New Ziana