Zimbabwe seeks deeper cooperation with China on disaster management

Zimbabwe officials expressed gratitude for China's longstanding disaster relief support and proposed expanded technical collaboration during emergency management talks in Sanya. Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe highlighted Chinese assistance during Cyclone Idai, pandemic response, and recent droughts while attending the Belt and Road Ministerial Conference, which focused on rapid emergency systems.

Garwe outlined plans to modernize Zimbabwe's National Emergency Operations Center using Chinese expertise in digital tools and infrastructure. He specified needs including upgraded computers, communication systems, weather monitoring equipment, evacuation facilities, and temporary bridges. The minister also welcomed continued partnership in reconstructing disaster-damaged roads and bridges. Discussions covered broadening cooperation into science, industrial innovation, and medicine under existing bilateral frameworks. Zimbabwe's delegation participated in the four-day conference, concluding on Friday, seeking practical solutions for regional disaster resilience through international coordination. Chinese emergency management officials joined the technical dialogue as both nations explore concrete support mechanisms.