STORY: Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe marks 74th founding anniversary of PRC
DATELINE: Sept. 23, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:27
LOCATION: Harare
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of audiences, musical performances, and ambassador cutting cake
2. various of performances
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): AMON MURWIRA, Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade
4. various of performances
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): AMON MURWIRA, Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade

STORYLINE:

The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe hosted a reception on Friday to celebrate the upcoming 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

The reception was held in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare and was attended by representatives of the Zimbabwean government, individuals from various walks of life in the country, delegates from foreign missions, and Chinese nationals residing in the southern African country.

Guests were treated to a variety of performances, including Chinese traditional music, acrobatics and magic.

During his address, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding reaffirmed China's commitment to the China-Zimbabwe relationship, highlighting the historical cooperation between the two nations that continues to yield tangible results.

Zhou emphasized the long-standing ties between the two countries, noting China's unwavering support for Zimbabwe during its struggle for liberation and independence. He also said China appreciates Zimbabwe's support on issues concerning China's sovereignty, territorial integrity and other core interests.

The envoy acknowledged the significant contribution of Chinese companies to Zimbabwe, which help create jobs and generate tax revenue for the country.

Speaking at the same event, Zimbabwe's acting Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira congratulated the Chinese government and people on the PRC's founding anniversary. 

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): AMON MURWIRA, Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade
"The longstanding and enduring friendship between Zimbabwe and China is not just rooted in the past, but also in shared values, respect of each other and by a common desire to build a shared future of joint prosperity through active cooperation and equally as cooperating partners in line with our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of cooperation."

Murwira underpinned the increased investment by Chinese state-owned and private enterprises in Zimbabwe over the years, especially in supporting Zimbabwe's mining sector's goal of adding value to local minerals.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): AMON MURWIRA, Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade
"China has become one of Zimbabwe's largest trading partners. Trade figures for the previous year of 2022 exceeded 2.5 billion U.S. dollars, and we expect to surpass this margin this year."

Furthermore, Murwira highlighted the benefits Zimbabwe has gained from national infrastructure projects through cooperation with China, including the expansion of the country's largest thermal power station and the construction of a new parliament building near Harare.

Murwira reaffirmed the Zimbabwean government's support for various initiatives being undertaken by China, including the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation framework, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Security Initiative, among others.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Harare.
(XHTV)