Premier greets visiting president of Zimbabwe

Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, April 4, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

China willing to expand cooperation in key areas, Li tells Mnangagwa.

China is willing to expand cooperation with Zimbabwe in key areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, production capacity and human resources, Premier Li Keqiang said during his meeting with visiting Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday.

"You have long attached great importance to your country's relations with China.... We highly appreciate that you chose China as the first country to visit outside Africa since taking office," Li said.

A day earlier, he noted, President Xi Jinping and Mnangagwa had a productive dialogue and agreed to forge a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

The premier said that Zimbabwe has been one of China's crucial partners in Africa, and said both countries should make the best of their advantages. China is ready to inject new vitality into bilateral relations in accordance with the principles of sincerity, friendship and equality to open up a new chapter of China-Zimbabwe ties, he said.

The Chinese government encourages competent domestic companies to cooperate in business in Zimbabwe and is willing to provide support and help to achieve win-win outcomes, Li said.

In response, Mnangagwa said the new government of Zimbabwe is committed to further strengthening friendship with China and consolidating exchanges in fields such as trade, infrastructure, energy and tourism.

Later on Wednesday, Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, also met with Mnangagwa. The NPC is willing to work with Zimbabwe's legislature to carry out the points of consensus reached by the two presidents, he said.

Following up on the opportunities brought by the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative, legislators from both countries should strengthen legislative exchanges to provide legal support and policy services, the chairman said.

Mnangagwa said he would support the expansion of legislative cooperation between the two countries and said Zimbabwe firmly upholds the one-China policy.