Ashley Masakadza

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday officiated the opening and handover ceremony of the Mount Hampden Parliament Building which will now be used for Parliament business.

In his address,  President Mnangagwa thanked China’s President Xi Jinping for his assistance in making this project successful. He said the development solidifies the relationship between the two countries.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Zimbabwe and indeed on my behalf, may I express my heartfelt gratitude to the President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Xi Jinping for sending the high-level delegation to specifically hand over this generous gift.

“As you may recall, it was during my state visit to China in 2018, where His Excellency President Xi Jinping made a political decision to support four key projects in our country. These were through a concessionary loan facility for the construction of Hwange units 7 and 8 as well as further modernization and upgrade of the R.G. Mugabe International Airport and a grant for the construction of the new parliament building. Additionally, support was availed for the Netone broadband expansion project. I am pleased to highlight that all projects have now been completed and commissioned.

“The milestones that Zimbabwe has realized since the advent of the second republic have been positively impacted by the support of His Excellency President Xi Jinping and the people of China,” President Mnangagwa said.

He added that the new parliament building is one of the many occasions that testify to the strong relationship Zimbabwe and China continue to build and nourish together.

“The new parliament building, which stands as one of the most magnificent and modern buildings in our country, signifies the excellent relations which exist between Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China, commending that the relationship will continue to grow as the two nations progress together.

“We shall forever be grateful to the People’s Republic of China who along with the Russian Federation vetoed machinations by some Western countries who in 2008, attempted to pass a United Nations Security Council. Presently, the People’s Republic of China continues to stand with Zimbabwe against the illegal sanctions and oppose interference in our internal affairs.

“Through the comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership, I am confident that the relationship between Zimbabwe and China will grow from strength to strength towards shared development and prosperity,” he said.