By Evans Dakwa
Zimbabwe is forever indebted to the nation of Brazil for the support Harare has received from the South American nation especially in the area of Agriculture, a senior government official has said.
In his opening remarks to the first Session of the Zimbabwe/ Brazil Political Consultations in Harare, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Rofina Chikava said the country of Zimbabwe values the relationship that exists between the two nations.
“The close collaboration that exists between our countries in the development of the agricultural sector is not only increasing trade but also providing an opportunity for skills transfer and capacity building, which are key enablers of development and economic growth.”
Ambassador Chikava particularly touched on the significance of Brazil’s friendship in the face of Zimbabwe’s well documented attrition with the West, for long the biggest backers of the country development financial support.
“Let me also take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to the Government and People of the Federative Republic of Brazil for the steadfast and unwavering support we have received up to this juncture when the country is still subject to illegal and unjustified sanctions as punishment for our land reform programme which benefitted over 300 000 previously landless people in our country. In that context, Brazil is assisting us by providing support to our agriculture sector through technical support projects thereby contributing to food security in the country, said Ambassador Chikava.
“In a mark of true friendship, your country generously extended to us the More Food International Programme line of credit in 2015. The programme went a long way in improving the livelihood of our small-scale farmers. Let me assure you that the government is committed to repaying the loan so that we can also benefit from the second trench.”
The political consultations between Zimbabwe and Brazil are aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries, engaging in dialogue, exchanging ideas, and collaborating on common challenges faced by the two nations.