Zimpapers Logo

Blessings Chidakwa Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe and United Arab Emirates bi-lateral relations are sincere, as the rich-oil country which is the second largest trading partner “walks the talk” on its financial pledges, Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube has said.

Fielding questions from journalists during a post-Cabinet briefing last Thursday, Minister Ncube said following President Mnangagwa’s visit to the Arab country, an official has since followed up to scout for opportunities.

“When cyclone struck we were in United Arab Emirates and obviously had to address the media in terms of assistance we needed and UAE responded, within a week or so they sent two plane loads of medicines and some of them were actually handed over to Mahusekwa hospital last week. So they walk the talk, they follow through talks.

“After the meetings this week they have already sent someone and that person arrived here yesterday (Wednesday last week). They are already scouting for business opportunities then they will then send a delegation,” he said.

The high-powered business delegation from the United Arab Emirates is expected to jet in Zimbabwe soon to assess business prospects offered by the country under the new dispensation. The expected visit follows President Mnangagwa’s tour of the UAE during which he marketed Zimbabwe to potential investors at the just-ended 5th Global Business Forum on Africa.

Minister Ncube said the Arab country is a major trading partner for Zimbabwe.

“Maybe we talk about the relationship getting stronger, whether we like it or not it’s happening, the second largest importer of anything from Zimbabwe after South Africa is Dubai. Exports from Zimbabwe to Dubai are worth millions of dollars some of them is gold, diamond so it is already a large trading partner whether we like it or not,” he said.

As relations with the UAE continue to scale to new heights, Zimbabwe has also appointed its first Ambassador to the oil-rich nation. Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the UAE Dr Jetro Ndombondayi Ndlovu has since presented his credentials.