ZIMBABWE and China yesterday reportedly signed a $4,8 million grant agreement which will see the Zimbwabwe Defence Forces receiving military assistance from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
STAFF REPORTER
According to a report carried by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, the pledge was made by the visiting Deputy Chief General Staff from the PLA, Lieutenant General Qi Jianguo, during a courtesy call on Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi in Harare.
Lt Gen Qi is in the country to exchange notes and strengthen the cordial relations between the two countries.
He said the PLA stands ready to assist the ZDF in its quest to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In the report, Sekeramayi was quoted as saying: “We are grateful for the support which we continue to enjoy from the Asian country.We have agreed to work together in strengthening the military relations.”
The close relations between China and the Zanu PF government date back to the days of the liberation struggle when the Asian country supplied military arms to the Zanu PF’s military wing, Zanla.
China was also instrumental in the setting-up of the National Defence College in Harare, having extended an interest-free loan of $98 million to the country.
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Zimbabwe is currently under military sanctions from Europe and the United States which prohibits the country from getting military wares from the West.
