Harare, (New Ziana)-The Russian government greatly appreciates the unwavering support that Zimbabwe other African countries renders it on the international arena, an official has said.

Russian ambassador to Zimbabwe Nikolai Krasilnikov said this on Thursday while officiating at a reception to mark their national holiday – Defender of the Fatherland Day, which is celebrated annually on February 23 and is dedicated to veterans and service personnel of the Russian Armed Forces.

Krasilnikov said relations between Russia and Zimbabwe have stood the test of time, growing stronger with each passing year, for the benefit of both countries and their shared goals of regional and global stability.

“Russia highly appreciates the desire of our friends worldwide to contribute to a politico-diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian crisis.

Our BRICS partners, our great friend Zimbabwe and almost all African countries demonstrate a deep understanding of the root causes of the Ukrainian conflict, its geopolitical significance, and the need to take Russia’s interests into account,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the Zimbabwean government in particular, for the eagerness to go together through turbulent times by developing partnership in various spheres, including military and military-technical cooperation.

“As the UN Security Council Permanent Member, Russia strongly supports Africa’s legitimate aspiration to expand its representation in the United Nations Security Council as well as in various international organizations.

“We look forward to making more fruitful our coordination with Zimbabwe on the international arena when this country takes the chair in the UN Security Council in 2027,” he said.

New Ziana