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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 34182, member: 636"]
Zimbabwe plans to strengthen ties with Belarus ahead of President Mnangagwa's visit to Minsk. Ambassador Mudzimba told state media these nations will mark 33 years of diplomatic relations just before Zimbabwe celebrates its 45th Independence Day.

The friendship goes back to Soviet times when Zimbabwe first received Belarusian tractors. They established formal ties in 1992, and Zimbabwe opened its embassy in Minsk last year. Both presidents have exchanged visits recently, with Belarusian President Lukashenko traveling to Zimbabwe in early 2023.

Trade between the countries remains small but growing. Zimbabwe aims to export more tobacco, cotton, and minerals, as Belarus supplies farm machinery and fertilizers. They signed a $16 million deal for fire trucks, with 114 already delivered across Zimbabwe's provinces. They also plan local bus production through AVM Africa starting late 2025.

Belarus helps Zimbabwe mechanize its farms with nearly 1,800 tractors and 76 combine harvesters already delivered. A third phase will add over 3,000 more tractors and 80 combines. Officials from both countries will soon meet in Harare for their second Joint Commission meeting, where they expect to sign at least ten new agreements.
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