Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Amon Murwira, has confirmed plans for an official visit to Russia shortly, signaling an effort to strengthen economic, technological, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Speaking at the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Murwira emphasized the importance of Zimbabwe’s relationship with Russia, describing it as “excellent” and built on cooperation across multiple sectors. When asked about the timing of his visit, he responded, “Very soon. Extremely soon,” without providing further details.
Strengthening Economic & Technological Collaboration
Zimbabwe and Russia have long-standing diplomatic and economic relations, with ongoing partnerships in mining, science, and technology. The Southern African nation has been working closely with Moscow on various initiatives aimed at boosting industrial development, resource extraction, and innovation.
Murwira highlighted the depth of cooperation between the two countries, stressing Zimbabwe’s commitment to expanding joint ventures in strategic sectors. “We have excellent economic cooperation, and we are looking forward to deepening our engagements in key areas,” he noted.
Russia has increasingly positioned itself as a key partner for African nations, offering investment in critical industries, knowledge exchange, and alternative economic alliances beyond traditional Western ties. Zimbabwe, in particular, has sought to strengthen its partnerships with global players like Russia to support its long-term development objectives.
African Union Summit Tackles Reparations & Historical Injustices
Murwira’s remarks come as African leaders gather in Addis Ababa for a two-day summit under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.” The meeting focuses on the continent’s collective efforts to address the lingering effects of colonialism, apartheid, and the transatlantic slave trade, while also assessing progress in securing reparations for historical injustices.
The discussions at the AU highlight Africa’s push for economic empowerment, self-sufficiency, and equitable global partnerships. As Zimbabwe prepares to expand its foreign policy engagements, Murwira’s upcoming visit to Russia represents an important step in reinforcing the country’s global standing and diversifying its international alliances.