Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa will travel to Belarus in May following a formal invitation from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, delivered by Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov during a diplomatic mission to Harare this week.
The visit comes as the two countries continue to strengthen political and economic cooperation, with both governments reaffirming their commitment to strategic collaboration.
High-level talks in Harare focused on the ongoing implementation of Zimbabwe’s agricultural mechanization programme, now entering its third phase with technical support from Belarus. The initiative has become a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural revival efforts and reflects the broader ambition to boost food production through international partnerships.
President Mnangagwa hailed the relationship with Belarus as mutually beneficial and grounded in shared values, including support for sovereignty and resistance to economic sanctions. He expressed confidence that the upcoming visit to Minsk would solidify ongoing projects and unlock further opportunities.
During the visit, Foreign Minister Ryzhenkov met with his Zimbabwean counterpart, Amon Murwira, for discussions that extended beyond agriculture. A Joint Commission co-chaired by the two ministers outlined new areas of cooperation, covering mining, health, education, industry, and disaster risk management.
A key outcome was the adoption of a roadmap for bilateral cooperation spanning 2026 to 2030, setting priorities for long-term engagement.
Agreements were also signed to facilitate local bus production and the supply of industrial machinery, aligning with Zimbabwe’s broader goals of domestic industrialisation and job creation.
Zimbabwean officials also expressed gratitude for humanitarian assistance provided by Belarus as the country battles the effects of an El Niño-induced drought. The aid package underscores Belarus’ engagement beyond economic interests, extending into critical relief efforts.
Mnangagwa’s forthcoming state visit is expected to deepen diplomatic ties and affirm the growing importance of Eastern partnerships in Zimbabwe’s foreign policy agenda.