India-Zimbabwe Joint Statement during the visit of Vice President to Zimbabwe (2-4 November 2018)
November 04, 2018
- At the invitation of Vice President of Zimbabwe, H.E. Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of the Republic of India undertook a visit to Zimbabwe from 2-4 November 2018. He was accompanied by Sh. Krishan Pal Gurjar, Minister of State for Social Justice
and Empowerment, two Members of Parliament namely, Sh. Kodikunnil Suresh & Sh. V. Muraleedharan, other senior Govt. officials and a large business delegation.
- On arrival, Vice President was received by H.E. Mr. Kembo Mohadi and the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zimbabwe.
- The Vice President paid a courtesy call on H. E. President of Zimbabwe, H.E. Mr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa in which they discussed issues of mutual interest between the two countries. President E.D. Mnangagwa conveyed that it was a high honour for Zimbabwe
to receive the visit of an Indian Vice President. Both leaders agreed to take India-Zimbabwe bilateral relations to the next level by strengthening existing areas of cooperation and opening new areas of engagement. Cain Mathema, Acting Minister of Foreign
Affairs and International Trade also called on the Vice President.
- The Vice President of India and accompanying delegation held bilateral talks with the Zimbabwean delegation co-chaired by H.E. Kembo Dugish Campbell Mohadi, Vice President of Zimbabwe. The two sides reviewed the entire gamut of the bilateral relations and
multilateral cooperation.
- Both leaders reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestation and stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. Both sides expressed their commitment to work together at the United Nations
and other multilateral fora for fighting the menace of terrorism.
- The Zimbabwe side welcomed the defence training slots being extended by India to Zimbabwe Defence Forces to train in premier Indian Defence Institutions. The two leaders expressed their desire to strengthen our defence cooperation even more.
- During the visit, Vice President announced US$ 310 million Line of Credit for up-gradation of Hwange Thermal Power Station, additional US$23 million Line of Credit for rehabilitation of Bulawayo Thermal Power Plant and an additional US$19.5 million Line
of Credit for Deka Pumping & river Water Intake System; grant for construction of Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre, US$2.93 million grant for Up-gradation of INDO-Zim Technology Centre and Gifting of 10 Indian made Ambulances to Zimbabwe, lifesaving drugs
and deputation of experts in five specialised areas. This gesture was welcomed by the Zimbabwe side.
- The two leaders agreed to promote and enhance trade and economic relations and called upon the private sectors to explore and take advantage of the pro-business climate existing in both countries. They identified areas to enhance cooperation, including
mining, agriculture, SMEs, ICT, Health, HRD, diamond trading and traditional medicine.
- On the multilateral front, the subjects of UNSC expansion and reform, promotion of world peace, climate change, sustainable development, India-Africa engagement and re-admission of Zimbabwe in Commonwealth were discussed. The two leaders emphasised on the
need for urgent reforms of the UN Security Council, including its expansion in both the categories of the membership, to make it more representative, accountable, effective and responsive to the geopolitical realities of the 21st century.
- During the visit, the Vice Presidents witnessed the signing of the following MoUs/Agreements:
- Cooperation in the fields of Geology, Mining and Mineral Resources
- Action Plan on Information and Communication Technology
- Cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicine and Homeopathy
- Cooperation in the field of Arts, Culture and heritage
- Cooperation and Collaboration on Broadcasting
- Visa Waiver Agreement for holder of diplomatic and official/service passport passports
- During his visit, the Vice President also laid a wreath at National Heroes Acre Monument in Harare where the national heroes of Zimbabwe are honoured and laid to rest.
- The Vice President of India addressed the Indian community in Harare and also laid foundation stone of new Chancery project. The two Vice Presidents also jointly addressed the Zimbabwe-India business forum and witnessed signing of several B2B MOUs/Agreements.
- The Vice President of India, Shri. M. Venkaiah Naidu, on behalf of the Government of India and his delegation, thanked the people and Government of Zimbabwe for the hospitality extended during his visit.
Harare
November 4, 2018