Rumbidzayi Zinyuke, Senior Reporter
President Mnangagwa receives letters of credence from incoming French Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Paul-Bertrand Barets at State House in Harare yesterday. — Picture: Believe Nyakudjara
THREE incoming Ambassadors formally presented their credentials to President Mnangagwa at State House in Harare yesterday, committing to bolster existing relations and explore new investment opportunities in Zimbabwe.
Following private meetings with the President, the diplomats expressed their nations’ dedication to enhancing ties with Zimbabwe, aligning with the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement initiatives.
India Ambassador-designate to Zimbabwe, Mr Bramha Kumar, who succeeds Mr Vijay Khanduja, expressed enthusiasm for his role and highlighted intentions to boost bilateral cooperation, particularly in the power, mining and infrastructure sectors.
He noted that Indian companies have significantly contributed to job creation, employing over 5 000 Zimbabwean youths.
“India and Zimbabwe have been working on the bilateral, multilateral front and also on international issues.
“We have similar views on various issues which concern humanity and mutual interest. So, we look forward to working together and there are various things which we have started and hopefully, during my tenure, new results will come and that will further deepen our bilateral relations,” Mr Kumar said.
President Mnangagwa receives a gift from incoming Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Bramha Kumar after presenting his credentials at State House in Harare
He mentioned substantial Indian investments in Zimbabwe, including Varun Beverages, which is one of the biggest investments from an Indian company.
Another Indian public sector company, Rites, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Railways of Zimbabwe to supply locomotives and wagons and there is great scope for success once the project takes off.
Recently, Jindal Power also signed a deal with the Government to invest in power generation.
Mr Kumar expressed hope for increased cooperation in other sectors such as agriculture and mining.
French Ambassador-designate to Zimbabwe, Mr Paul-Bertrand Barets, said he was open to dialogue aimed at enhancing co-operation.
“My door will be open to the Zimbabwean people to talk about initiatives that we could take together to strengthen and deepen, not only the political relationship but also cooperation in the economic sector,” he said
Mr Barets said a delegation of French companies was expected in Zimbabwe soon to explore new avenues of investment.
Other areas of co-operation he expressed hope to push include research, culture and education.
The President receives letters of credence from Burundi’s incoming Ambassador to Zimbabwe Evelyne Butoyi at State House yesterday. – Pictures: Believe Nyakudjara
Burundi Ambassador-designate to Zimbabwe, Ms Evelyne Butoyi, also expressed her enthusiasm to foster collaboration between the two nations.
“It is a great honour to present my credentials to His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe.
“We took this opportunity to discuss how I can fully play my role in improving the bilateral cooperation between our two countries. I also shared with His Excellency how Burundi is ready to identify sectors where we can start this bilateral co-operation,” she said.
SOURCE: The Herald
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