Russian President Vladimir Putin recently held talks with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). This meeting underscored the strong bilateral relations between Russia and Zimbabwe, a country that has been under Western sanctions for over two decades due to allegations of human rights abuses and corruption.
During the discussions, Mnangagwa highlighted the impact of these sanctions on Zimbabwe, which he claimed have cost the country’s economy over $150 billion. He reiterated Zimbabwe’s view of Russia as a “consistent global ally” and expressed his support for a multipolar world order, which he believes would lead to more balanced and inclusive development for countries in the Global South.
Putin and Mnangagwa focused on expanding cooperation in various sectors, including education and trade. Putin noted that around 400 Zimbabwean students are currently studying in Russia and mentioned efforts to increase this number. Additionally, trade between the two countries has been growing, particularly in agriculture, with significant increases in Russian agricultural exports to Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa also invited Russian investment in Zimbabwe’s mining sector and other industries, emphasizing the country’s skilled workforce and abundant resources. This aligns with Zimbabwe’s goal of achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030.
In response, Putin praised the development of humanitarian ties and the growing trade relationship. He also highlighted Russia’s humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe, including substantial food and fertilizer donations to help mitigate the effects of a severe drought that left half of Zimbabwe’s population at risk of hunger.
This meeting reflects both countries’ intentions to strengthen their strategic partnership and collaborate more closely in the face of Western sanctions and global geopolitical shifts.