Brazilian envoy meets VP Mphoko
BRAZILIAN Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Ana Maria Morales yesterday paid a courtesy call on Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko at his Munhumutapa Offices in Harare.
The two leaders discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, with special focus on the agricultural sector.
Ambassador Morales, who was formerly charge d’affaires for one-and-a-half years at the Brazilian Embassy in Harare in the 1990s, said she was not only happy to be in Zimbabwe, but felt privileged to be spearheading the More Food for Africa programme as well.
The programme, which helps provide critical agricultural equipment to farmers, will soon be moving to the second phase, buoyed by the success of the inaugural phase.
“The first tranche of the More Food for Africa programme was very successful and our debt was paid very well by the producers. The producers were so successful that they made much more than expected and we are preparing for the second phase,” she said.
“We are committed and we want to continue with the programme. I do not have the exact details, but it is being prepared. Brazil works on demand with other countries. We do not bring in ready proposals already packed.”
Under the More Food for Africa programme, Brazil and Zimbabwe signed a $98 million loan facility for the procurement of irrigation equipment, tractors and implements.
To date, equipment has been distributed and installed at more than 176 irrigation projects across the country.
Ambassador Morales said although she did not exchange notes on tourism with VP Mphoko, it was an area Harare and Brasilia could cooperate on and share experiences as the two have a lot in common.
She said Brazil is prepared for any project proposals since there are unlimited investment opportunities that can be exploited by either country.
“It was a very good review of our bilateral relations. It was very good, constructive talk. We have a programme that we talked about and we also talked about other areas of interest to Zimbabwe and reiterated my position that I am here to hear, to receive and complete proposals for technical assistance and cooperation,” she said.
“This is what we do with all our developing partners to bring out best successful experiences to Africa. We have something coming, we have a river and not an ocean separating us. We need to get together to have more contacts, our people must know each other.”