Xi Jinping salutes Zimbabwe’s liberation war veterans in letter delivered to Mnangagwa at State House

Xi Jinping salutes Zimbabwe’s liberation war veterans in letter delivered to Mnangagwa at State House
For all the News from Mashonaland Central, Join One of Our Groups: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KPKHV62YLF92BvfqmgemLT

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has received a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping commending Zimbabwe’s liberation war veterans and describing them as an important pillar in strengthening long-standing relations between Harare and Beijing, according to a report published by The Herald.

The letter was delivered at State House in Harare by China’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding. It followed correspondence from a group of Zimbabwean national liberation war veterans who wrote to President Xi to express their gratitude for China’s support during the struggle against colonial rule.

In his response, President Xi said that, in their youth, the veterans devoted themselves to the cause of national liberation, leaving their homes and building what he described as friendship and comradeship with China during the liberation war period.

The Herald reported that President Mnangagwa, who is a graduate of the Nanjing Military Academy, read the letter to a group of veterans. The group included some who were trained in China and others who received instruction from Chinese trainers in Africa during the 1960s and 1970s.

President Mnangagwa also reflected briefly on his own military training in China in the 1960s, reaffirming the historical ties that continue to shape Zimbabwe’s foreign policy.

To Advertise Inbox Us: https://wa.me/263719679800

Speaking after presenting the letter, Ambassador Zhou was quoted saying President Xi’s response was significant because it reflected on the past while also conveying a vision for future cooperation. He said the shared legacy should be known by younger generations and described it as a source of strength.

Ambassador Zhou added that China’s assistance to Zimbabwe had evolved over time, from military and political support during the liberation struggle to backing nation-building, economic development and social progress after Independence. He was also quoted saying China remains Zimbabwe’s primary source of foreign investment, with projects he said have sustained more than one million jobs.

Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister Monica Mavhunga welcomed the message and reiterated China’s role in providing material support and training during the liberation era. She said 17 veterans initiated the correspondence with President Xi, resulting in the reply.

Minister Mavhunga was accompanied by senior veterans and officials, including ZANU PF Deputy Political Commissar Cde Webster Shamu, Deputy Secretary for Economic Affairs Cde Andy Mlanga, and Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association chairperson Cde Cephas Ncube. She said Chinese officials had expressed interest in continued collaboration with veterans, including possible exchange visits.

The development comes as Zimbabwe and China continue to frame their relationship as an “all-weather” partnership, rooted in liberation-era solidarity and now presented as a comprehensive strategic cooperation arrangement.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel for all the News from Mashonaland Central – Bindura, Mbire, Guruve, Mount Darwin, Rushinga, Shamva, Mazowe & Muzarabani: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacMUmW5fM5a666kb33A