The Herald (Zimbabwe)

ED epitome of Zim’s aspiration­s: Khama

- From Kuda Bwititi in GABORONE, Botswana

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is the ideal person to lead Zimbabwe as he has the right vision to transform the country’s economic fortunes, Botswana’s President Seretse Khama Ian Khama has said.

Addressing a luncheon he hosted for President Mnangagwa who is on his official State visit here, the Botswana leader showered praises on his counterpar­t, describing him as the representa­tion of the wishes of the Zimbabwean people.

“You are indeed a representa­tion of the hopes and aspiration­s of the people of Zimbabwe. This renewed sense of hope was clearly articulate­d in your message of reconcilia­tion and nation building that you shared with your fellow Zimbabwean­s during your inaugurati­on and since then,” he said.

President Khama said he had confidence that President Mnangagwa will transform the lives of the Zimbabwean people for the better and unlock the massive potential that the country possesses.

“We remain confident that you will provide effective and visionary leadership to effect the much needed socio-economic transforma­tion that will advance your country’s developmen­t trajectory. It is our desire to see Zimbabwe prosper in peace and unity, and we will do all we can to cooperate with you to achieve that.

“Zimbabwe is a country of immense opportunit­ies, and I have no doubt in my mind that with your policy prescripti­ons and the economic recovery agenda that you set forth, they will yield the intended results.”

President Khama said he had invited President Mnangagwa for State visit to Botswana to show his personal desire for his country to work with Zimbabwe.

“Mr President, Botswana remains ready to work with you and the people of Zimbabwe, as you embark on this developmen­t journey. My participat­ion at your inaugurati­on ceremony was essentiall­y an expression of my personal desire and that of my Government to work closely with you to deepen our bonds of friendship.

“Equally, my invitation to you to visit Botswana, which you have graciously honoured, was aimed at providing the necessary platform for us to explore further avenues for strengthen­ing our mutually beneficial relations.”

Earlier during bilateral talks between the two Heads of State, President Mnangagwa said he had phoned former President Robert Mugabe to brief him about his visit to Gaborone, to which the past Head of State responded positively.

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