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Talent Gore Herald Correspondent

China has applauded President Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe for standing with the Asian nation during its fight against coronavirus (COVID-19), which has claimed over 2 700 lives.

This comes after President Mnangagwa sent a solidarity letter to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people following the outbreak of the deadly Covid-19 virus.

He said he was confident that China would emerge victorious given its capabilities in dealing with such humanitarian situations.

“My dear brother, I wish to reiterate my Government’s full support to your endeavours in mitigating and eradicating the epidemic and stand ready to assist in our modest way,” said President Mnangagwa.

“In addition, we take solace in the fact that 2020 being the Year of the Rat, China will continue to prosper.”

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy yesterday presented its compliments to the Office of the President and Cabinet.

“We have the honour to inform the latter that there has been an enthusiastic response from the Chinese people to the message of support delivered by H.E President Emmerson Mnangagwa for China’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19,” said the Embassy.

The Embassy said the message was given prominent coverage by China’s leading news agencies, including Xinhua, People’s Daily and CCTV.

“In particular, the video was broadcast in China’s prime time news programme watched daily by hundreds of millions of people across the country,” the Embassy said.

“The words ‘Zimbabwe and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’ are among the most searched keywords on China’s social media platforms. There has been an outpouring of gratitude among the ordinary Chinese.”

The Embassy said many Chinese hailed Zimbabweans as true brothers.

“Ordinary Chinese expressed a keen interest to visit this beautiful country as soon as the epidemic is put to an end, and called on the Chinese government to strengthen China-Zimbabwe ties,” said the Embassy.

The Embassy said President Mnangagwa’s message gave a strong boost to bilateral relations at a challenging time for China.

“The Chinese government wishes to express its gratitude and the Embassy avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Office of the President and Cabinet the assurance of its highest consideration,” it read.