*President Mnangagwa’s Strategic Outreach: Forging New Partnerships in Russia and Belarus* President Emmerson Mnangagwa's recent visits to Russia and Belarus have significantly strengthened Zimbabwe's international partnerships, yielding substantial benefits across various sectors. In Russia, President Mnangagwa attended the 80th Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, 2025, joining 28 other world leaders to commemorate the Soviet Union's role in World War II. This participation underscored Zimbabwe's commitment to fostering strong diplomatic relations with Russia, paving the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation. Following his visit to Russia, President Mnangagwa embarked on a four-day official visit to Belarus, commencing on May 12, 2025. This visit aimed to deepen economic cooperation between Zimbabwe and Belarus, focusing on sectors such as agriculture, industrial production, energy, transport, and investment promotion. A significant outcome of the Belarus visit was the agreement to establish Zimbabwe as Belarus's industrial manufacturing hub in the region. Planned projects include bus and tractor assembly lines and lithium beneficiation plants, aligning with Zimbabwe’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. Addressing Zimbabwe's healthcare challenges was a key focus during the Belarus visit. President Mnangagwa and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko explored avenues for Belarus to assist in revamping Zimbabwe's public health infrastructure. Key areas of cooperation include upgrading the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, improving access to affordable pharmaceuticals, enhancing provincial and district hospitals, and establishing joint ventures for local medicine production. These diplomatic engagements reflect Zimbabwe's strategic shift towards diversifying its international partnerships, focusing on mutual respect and shared development goals. By strengthening ties with nations like Russia and Belarus, Zimbabwe is positioning itself to leverage new opportunities for economic growth, technological advancement, and improved public services. President Mnangagwa's proactive diplomacy underscores a commitment to fostering sustainable development and enhancing the well-being of Zimbabweans through strategic international collaborations. Source: https://x.com/dereckgoto/status/1923243861565899032