Cooperation with Zimbabwe is important not only because of the country's geographic location, but also because of its role as a gateway to establishing relations with other African states, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said while approving the appointment of the new Belarusian ambassador to Zimbabwe on 3 March, BelTA has learned.
“Zimbabwe is an entry point into Africa, not just geographically, but also philosophically,” the head of state said, describing the country’s significance for Belarus.
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that Belarus’ most active cooperation in Africa is currently with Zimbabwe, and this partnership is already producing tangible results. “We helped them secure the necessary grain harvest, although that is probably only half of what could be possible. They have ensured their own food security. Step by step, we are moving forward in healthcare, education, and other areas. They are purchasing our machinery, we train their specialists, teach them how to operate it, and transfer technologies. They are telling the whole of Africa about it,” he said.
He also emphasized the role of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. “Most importantly, President Mnangagwa, who enjoys authority in Africa, is our best advocate and promoter. All presidents listen to him, and he says openly: the Belarusians saved us, they ensured our food security.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that Belarus’ most active cooperation in Africa is currently with Zimbabwe, and this partnership is already producing tangible results. “We helped them secure the necessary grain harvest, although that is probably only half of what could be possible. They have ensured their own food security. Step by step, we are moving forward in healthcare, education, and other areas. They are purchasing our machinery, we train their specialists, teach them how to operate it, and transfer technologies. They are telling the whole of Africa about it,” he said.
He also emphasized the role of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. “Most importantly, President Mnangagwa, who enjoys authority in Africa, is our best advocate and promoter. All presidents listen to him, and he says openly: the Belarusians saved us, they ensured our food security.”
“From this point of view, this is a gateway for us,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added. He cited cooperation with Mozambique as an example: being close to Zimbabwe and seeing the results of its interaction with Belarus, Mozambique also expressed interest in strengthening relations. “They very much want our help as well, and it is beneficial for us. It's a coastal area with ports that need to be put in order. Zimbabwe, like us, does not have access to the sea, but through Mozambique, we can easily ship our goods across Southern Africa and possibly even further,” the Belarusian leader noted.
Addressing the new ambassador, the president clearly outlined priorities for him: “You will need to work hard there and deliver results. I am encouraging our entrepreneurs, private companies, state enterprises, managers to go and work there, and if there are no results, they will immediately tell me that the ambassador is not the right one.”
Regarding Igor Marshalov, who until now headed the Belarusian diplomatic mission in Zimbabwe, the head of state said: “It seems it’s not really his job. A young man. We are not going to lose anyone. If it’s not for him, if it’s not working out, naturally we need to look for another candidate. We’ve found one.”