Wallace Ruzvidzo and Rejoice Makoni

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is set to hold bilateral meetings with United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Aal Nahyan, as well as with UAE business leaders when he attends the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) Summit to be held in Dubai later this month.

Acting Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also the Minister of Defence, told the UAE’s 52nd National Day commemorations in Harare yesterday that the bilateral and business meetings will culminate in the bolstering of relations between the two countries.

Last month, President Mnangagwa witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding worth US$1,5 billion between UAE based Global Carbon Investments and Government to unlock the value of Zimbabwe’s carbon sinks and carbon mitigation measures, as relations between the two countries strengthen.

The establishment of the Cyber City in Mt Hampden by Dubai-based Mulk International, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said, was also evidence of increased co-operation.

“The relations between Zimbabwe and the UAE were further advanced by the groundbreaking investment by Mr Shaji UI Mulk, the founder and Chairman of Mulk International, who unveiled an innovative lifestyle property named the Zim Cyber City in Harare at the beginning of the year. The Zim Cyber City is a US$500 million cutting-edge project in Mount Hampden.

“This investment is regarded as one of Africa’s most promising and luxurious real estate developments, which comprises opulent villas, deluxe town houses, a duty-free mall, numerous entertainment options, expansive green spaces, fine-dining experiences, waterfront access, medical facilities, and schools,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.

The Minister went on to outline the foundation upon which relations had been built between the two countries, including the signing of various memoranda of understanding.

“Five memorandums of understanding on co-operation in the areas of agriculture, health, industry and commerce, tourism and hospitality, and energy were signed in March 2013. Furthermore, in June 2018, the two countries signed a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement which was ratified last year.

“In February 2012, the Emirates Airline launched daily flights from Dubai to Harare via Lusaka and an Emirates Cargo plane flies twice a week to Harare. The flights have resulted in increased mobility of our people and the flow of goods and services between our two countries,” she said.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also noted that trade was growing every year. Zimbabwe’s major exports to the UAE include tobacco, precious minerals, fruits, black fermented tea, and wooden articles, while imports include machinery and parts, plastics and plastic ware, glass and glassware, and second-hand vehicles.

“As we continue to build and strengthen our relations, there is a need for our two countries to enter into a memorandum of understanding on economic, trade, and investment co-operation to promote cross-border trade and investment in the areas of diamond mining and processing, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment, agriculture and agro-processing as well as hotel and conference facilities construction.

“We believe that these are important areas which will further deepen our co-operation,” she said.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri went on to express gratitude to the UAE for assistance rendered during Cyclone Idai and the Covid-19 period.

“At this juncture, we wish to thank the UAE Government, in partnership with some UAE donor agencies, for a donation of medical equipment as well as humanitarian aid towards the victims of the Cyclone Idai.

“At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, in May 2020, Zimbabwe received eight tonnes of medical supplies and personal protective equipment to fight the pandemic. For this kind gesture, we will forever appreciate,” she said.

UAE’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Jassim Mohammed al Qassimi said the UAE was committed to assisting Zimbabwe in its economic development agenda.

“Based on these well-established principles, the United Arab Emirates aimed to expand and deepen its relationship with the friendly Republic of Zimbabwe, relations that resonated at the level of the people and Governments of the two countries,” he said.