Russia-Zimbabwe relations are developing well, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the meeting with his Zimbabwean counterpart Emmerson Mnangagwa at SPIEF2024.
"The relations between Russia and Zimbabwe were formed long ago, back in the period of struggle of your country, [struggle] your people for independence, and now continue to develop actively," Putin underlined.
Russia and Zimbabwe share similar views on key issues on the global agenda, Putin noted, adding that relations with the African continent constitute a priority for Russia.
The head of state also expressed hope that Zimbabwe will be represented at the Russia-Africa ministerial meeting in the Russian city of Sochi this fall.
"I am grateful to you that we are actively working in the international arena as well. In such cases, it is said that our positions are very close or even coincide on key issues on the international agenda," the leader added.
Mnangagwa, in turn, said at the meeting that Zimbabwe is interested in developing comprehensive cooperation with Russia, especially in the mining sector and agriculture.
"We are happy to be here, and we are anxious to actually have our relations more comprehensive and consolidated between ourselves. There is a lot we can learn from you. There is a lot we can benefit from that relationship, and there is a lot we can open for the Russian Federation to participate in our economy, especially in the mining sector and in agriculture," Mnangagwa said.
The Zimbabwean leader thanked Moscow for donating grain and fertilizer to the African nation last year.
Putin announced at the second edition of the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg in 2023 that Russia was going to donate grain to a number of African countries, including Zimbabwe, to help overcome hunger on the continent. In March 2024, Russia shipped 25,000 tonnes of wheat and 23,000 tonnes of mineral fertilizers to the country.
The two countries have common challenges, he said, adding that he would like to discuss with the Russian president cooperation in defense and security.
The Russian city of St. Petersburg is hosting the 27th edition of SPIEF from June 5-8. Last year, the forum drew 17,000 participants from 130 countries and saw the signing of more than 900 agreements.