ZIMBABWE is interested in drawing Russian investment into its mining, chemical and construction industries, as well as the energy sector, Russian Presidential Envoy for Africa Mikhail Margelov says.
Margelov, who made a working trip to African countries, visited Zimbabwe between June 3 and 5 this year.
The possibilities for the development of economic cooperation were in focus in negotiations with Zimbabwe’ s President Robert Mugabe and Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi.
“The phase of the 1990s, when Russia was mainly focused on its domestic problems, still continues having an impact on the relations with African countries,” Margelov said.
At the same time, he is rather optimistic pertaining to future contacts between Moscow and countries of the continent.
“Russia is ready to return to Africa without any political demands, which were typical of the ‘Cold War’ time, as well as to bring along serious companies and large projects,” he said.
“The current economic condition of the biggest part of the African states provides a large field for the activity,” the presidential envoy said.
For example, Zimbabwe needs fertilizers, agricultural machinery and consumer goods, he said.
In addition, Russia has good possibilities for the promotion of Zimbabwe’s economic development.
While touching upon other favourable conditions for the closer interaction with Zimbabwe, Margelov reaffirmed:
“In 2008, Russia vetoed the UN Security Council’ s draft resolution on the imposing of economic sanctions against Zimbabwe.” Based on this, he sees no barriers for the development of Russia’s business in the country.
Apart from the economic interaction, the Russian presidential envoy raised the Libyan issue.
“The president of Zimbabwe, like the biggest part of other African leaders, is confident that the settlement of the conflict should be in the hands of the Libyan people and the African Union,” Margelov said. — Itar-Tass
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