ST PETERSBURG, Russia – Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “my dear brother” and highlighting Russia’s steadfast support for Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Mnangagwa commended Putin for his role in defending Russia’s independence and territorial integrity. “Zimbabwe considers the Russian Federation as a consistent global ally,” Mnangagwa declared on a shared stage with Putin. “Strength lies in our unity, adaptability, and innovation.”
Mnangagwa criticized what he termed as the “hegemonic tendencies” of Western nations, accusing them of violating the sovereign equality of nations. “It is regrettable and unacceptable that the collective West continues to pursue hegemonic tendencies that blatantly violate the sovereign equality of nations, justice, and fairness,” he asserted.
He also addressed the issue of sanctions on Zimbabwe, which he claimed were imposed due to the Zimbabwean people’s efforts to reclaim their land. Despite these challenges, Mnangagwa emphasized that Zimbabwe remains “open for business.”
The forum underscored the close ties between Zimbabwe and Russia, with Mnangagwa’s remarks reinforcing the alliance amidst global geopolitical tensions.
