Industry, interior ministries agree to boost cooperation with Zimbabwe

February 1, Pozirk. Belarusian Minister of Industry Alaksandar Rahožnik and his Zimbabwean counterpart Sithembiso Gile Gladys Nyoni have signed a cooperation memorandum in Minsk.

The document “is of a general nature” and will be filled with substance to reflect the interests of both countries, the industry ministry’s website says, citing the minister.

Belarus and Zimbabwe plan to identify “priorities in the industries,” develop “international specialization and production cooperation” and promote joint projects, the memorandum says.

Belarus helped Zimbabwe ensure food security by supplying more than 1,800 tractors and about 80 harvesters, Rahožnik told Nyoni at their January 29 meeting.

Over the next few years, Belarus will deliver an additional 3,000 tractors and 80 harvesters, he added.

Belarus may also supply its grain drying complexes, forestry machinery and quarry equipment to Zimbabwe to boost cooperation, the industry ministry said.

On January 26, Belarusian Interior Minister Ivan Kubrakoŭ also signed a cooperation memorandum with Zimbabwe, citing Alaksandar Łukašenka who “instructed to provide all possible support to Zimbabwean friends.”

The Belarusian ruler visited Zimbabwe a year ago. A few months later, Zimbabwe’s First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa visited Minsk.