Mnangagwa, Obiang urge trade growth as Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea sign deals
Mnangagwa, Obiang urge trade growth as Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea sign deals
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for increased trade and investment cooperation between Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea, as the two countries moved to deepen bilateral ties during a two-day State visit by Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
President Mbasogo arrived in Zimbabwe accompanied by his wife, First Lady Constancia Mangue Obiang. The visit was described as aimed at strengthening relations between Harare and Ciudad de la Paz, Equatorial Guinea’s newly designated capital, while reaffirming longstanding cooperation between the two countries.
President Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa hosted President Mbasogo and the First Lady at a State Banquet at State House in Harare, where the Zimbabwean leader said high-level exchanges between the two countries had increased in recent years.
At the banquet, President Mnangagwa thanked Equatorial Guinea for support extended to Zimbabwe during what he termed “times of great need” following sanctions imposed by some Western countries.
“Zimbabwe is forever indebted to Equatorial Guinea, for the principled and courageous solidarity along with the economic and material support, availed to us during our times of great need, following the imposition of sanctions by some Western countries,” President Mnangagwa said.
“We shall never forget and will jealously guard our unity, and solidarity.”
Engagements during the visit were expected to build on agreements signed when President Mnangagwa visited Malabo from February 6 to 8, 2023, at President Mbasogo’s invitation. That trip resulted in several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) across sectors including agriculture, mining, tourism, visa reciprocity, a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA), infrastructure and transport, and civil aviation accident investigation.
During the current visit, the two leaders were expected to preside over a Bi-National Commission, preceded by a tete-a-tete at State House. Further agreements were expected in areas including education, agriculture and training of translators, among others.
Speaking at a signing ceremony for bilateral agreements at State House, President Mnangagwa urged both governments and the private sector to pursue stronger cooperation, saying trade and investment levels could grow further.
“The volume of trade and investment gives us room for further expansion and increase,” he said.
“I urge our private and public sectors to pursue bilateral cooperation so that we capitalise on the vast prospects in sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism, energy, and manufacturing, among others.”
He also encouraged collaboration involving small to medium enterprises led by young people and women.
President Mnangagwa said he appreciated Equatorial Guinea’s support during Zimbabwe’s recent election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, and commended President Mbasogo for condemning sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.
Equatorial Guinea’s President Mbasogo said the agreements should produce practical benefits for citizens in both countries.
“The agreements signed today should result in tangible results,” he said. “They should enhance sustainable development for the benefit of our people.”
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