Russia donates to Zimbabwe's war veterans

RUSSIA has reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations with Zimbabwe in various fields. This comes as the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Harare handed over of 1 500 tonnes of basic food supplies to the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association this Thursday. Handing over a consignment of basic commodities to be distributed to disabled war veterans, the Russian ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Nikolai Krasilnikov projected mutually beneficial relations between his country and Zimbabwe.

"Today the Russian embassy is here in this the very significant political courtyard at the headquarters of the ruling party Zanu PF to congratulate the Zimbabwe national liberation war veterans association with Africa day that happened on Monday and to mark this occasion we are presenting some 1.5 tonnes of staple food for the members of the association, as the Russian president Vladimir Putin put it in his congratulatory message to heads of state and government, Africa day is a symbol of the aspirations for the countries of the continent for freedom justice peace and prosperity. The Russian Federation is working in close cooperation with the second republic and contribute in various fields to the well being of the nation through investments transfer of technology according to the agreements made between the two countries and we have just started the process and we have a lot of things to do, there is a long way to go," said the Ambassador.

Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa expressed gratitude for the timely gesture which came during the COVID-19 crisis.

"These are COVID-19 times and we have the highest number of disabled people among the population of Zimbabwe. As young people, for historical reasons, we went to war and we came back maimed. Many of us suffered from chemical warfare, many of us were blinded, these are the issues war veterans deal with on a daily basis. In these COVID-19 times it becomes difficult for them, just like it is for the whole populace in terms of food security so this gesture from the Russian Federation through the ambassador from his own budget is a token and more will be coming for orphanages but we are very appreciative of what he has done for us. Anything which we can get for the war veterans is highly appreciated," said Ambassador Mutsvangwa.

Zanu PF Secretary for War Veterans, Cde Douglas Mahiya who was also in attendance said he is looking forward to future developmental initiatives between the two parties.

"In accepting the gift the war vets will always cherish the gift you have given us especially during this difficult period when we have this devastating disease Coronavirus. We will tell the war vets that Russians are continuing to be friends of the Zim revolution. I want this gesture to go a little bit further by continuing to engage with you so that the war vets will develop some economic activities that will not only benefit the war vets but also contribute to the national GDP. Though our country has been sanctioned by the west you are always with us," he said.

Russia has made numerous investments in Zimbabwe including the Russian-Zimbabwean Darwendale Platinum and the ALROSA group diamond industry development projects.