Zim, Saudi Arabia establish diplomatic ties

Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will soon establish diplomatic relations as the two
countries aim to tighten bilateral ties for mutual benefit,officials said on Tuesday.

This is one of the resolutions made when President Emmerson Mnangagwa met with the Kingdom’s Minister of State for African Countries Affairs, Ahmed Kattan who is in the country to explore cooperation and investment opportunities.

After a closed door meeting that lasted about one and half hours, Kattan later told journalists that the two countries will soon sign an agreement establishing diplomatic ties.

“We decided to sign an agreement very soon to establish diplomatic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Zimbabwe at the United Nations,” Kattan said.

“This is very good news to enhance the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the great country of Zimbabwe.”

He said Saudi Arabia was particularly keen on trade and investment opportunities, with a delegation from the Saudi Fund for Development (SDF) set to be dispatched to Zimbabwe soon.

The SDF is a multi-billion fund that provides development assistance to developing countries by financing social and infrastructure projects to improve lives through enhancing growth and creating job opportunities.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Dr Sibusiso Moyo said establishment of diplomatic ties would be key in unlocking various opportunities between the two countries.

“This is a major milestone between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Zimbabwe where we are enhancing our level of cooperation and bilateral relations to get it to another level and more specifically to utilise that platform to make sure that we utilise our trade and investment cooperation,” he said.

“There are numerous opportunities which exist between the economic cooperation of Saudi Arabia and Zimbabwe and it ranges from the issues to do with resources in Zimbabwe and the markets in Saudi Arabia and the investment in different sectors like agriculture, mining, tourism and others including infrastructure.”

Kattan said Saudi Arabia will also look at Zimbabwe’s humanitarian needs with a view to sending assistance.
New Ziana