Herald Reporter

RUSSIA has expressed interest in investing in Zimbabwe’s mining sector as it moves to enhance diplomatic ties.

Speaking to journalists after meeting Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo at the party’s headquarters in Harare yesterday, Russia’s Ambassador in Harare Professor Vladimir Shubin, who was accompanied by a delegation from his country, described Zimbabwe as a safe investment destination.

"We want to enhance economic relations between our two countries.

"I have come with officials from the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute for African Studies because we want to invest in Zimbabwe, particularly in the mining sector," said Ambassador Shubin.

He said the political and economic situation in Zimbabwe was different from what was portrayed by the Western media.

Ambassador Shubin said Zimbabwe has potential to revive its economy through agriculture.

Cde Khaya-Moyo said Zimbabwe and Russia enjoy good relations dating back to the liberation struggle.

He applauded Russia for defending Zimbabwe’s cause on land reform by blocking efforts by Britain and its allies to have the United Nations Security Council impose sanctions on Zimbabwe.

"Russia is our all-weather friend and has weathered a lot of storms on our behalf. Together with China, they have stood with us during these times and we are very grateful about that.

"We want to see closer ties between us in terms of trade.

"We want to see airlines flying between the two countries and the entire world should see that the relations between Zimbabwe and Russia remain extremely cordial," Cde Khaya-Moyo said.