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Sergey Lavrov

Zvamaida Murwira, Harare Bureau
Russian Foreign Minister Mr Sergey Lavrov arrived in the country last night to deliver a special message to President Mnangagwa from President Vladimir Putin.

Zimbabwe and Russia enjoy warm bilateral relations dating back to the days of the liberation struggle.

Mr Lavrov is expected to meet President Mnangagwa this morning and thereafter hold a meeting with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Lieutenant-General Dr Sibusiso Moyo (Retired).

He is also expected to sign a cooperative agreement and meet the business community in the country.

Mr Lavrov was welcomed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Minister Moyo and Foreign Affairs secretary Mr Joe Bimha, senior Government officials and Russian ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Sergey Bakharev.

His visit is expected to further cement the solid relations between Harare and Moscow.

Russia has stood by Zimbabwe when the West imposed illegal sanctions on Harare.

Announcing the visit of Mr Lavrov on Tuesday, Minister Moyo said: “The excellent political relations between the two countries have created grounds for expanded economic ties, trade, mining and cooperation in many areas such as agricultural mechanisation and manpower development.”

Mr Lavrov, who is President Putin’s confidante, is leading a high-powered delegation.

He last visited Zimbabwe in 2014 for the ground-breaking ceremony of the US$4 billion platinum mine in Darwendale, Mashonaland West province.

The Great Dyke platinum investment project, which is one of the biggest investments in the country since 1980, is poised to be jump-started by the visit, with renewed commitment made on the deal.

Mr Lavrov’s visit comes at a time when Government has opened doors for investors to explore opportunities in the country.

Zimbabwe is endowed with various minerals ranging from platinum, diamonds, lithium, coal, gold, asbestos to tin.

In 2008, Russia and China vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution sponsored by Britain and the United States seeking to impose punitive sanctions on Zimbabwe.