STAFF REPORTER
Bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Kuwait continues to grow in the political and economic front and to date the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development has since contributed to the implementation of eight major infrastructural projects in Zimbabwe.
This was said by His Excellency, Salem Shibeeb Akhaledi the ambassador of Kuwait to Zimbabwe, during celebrations to mark Kuwait’s 63rd National Day held at Rainbow Towers in Harare,
“Our bilateral relations actually began in 1990 when Iraq forces invaded our native land. That coincided with Zimbabwe holding a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council. Zimbabwe at the time voted in favour of the UN Resolution calling for the liberation of Kuwait by all means, including military. Zimbabwe’s standing by Kuwait at such difficult time certainly delighted the people of Kuwait.
“Thereafter, senior government officials from the two countries exchanged official visits. This includes the late former President Robert Mugabe’s visit to Kuwait in the year 2000, which has yielded enhanced bilateral political and economic relations,” said Ambassador Salem Shibeeb Akhaledi.
In a speech read by chief director, Mike Chigiji, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Fredrick Shava commended the diplomatic relations between the two countries and called for more trade and economic cooperation.
“I am happy to note that our two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries.
“However, I believe that more can be done in our economic and trade relations for the benefit of our two nations and peoples,” said Ambassador Shava.
He said Zimbabwe is a happy beneficiary of several concessionary loans and infrastructural projects from the state of Kuwait and its aid agencies. Ambassador Shava urged Kuwait to look at the enormous opportunities available in mining, agriculture, tourism, health, and infrastructure development sectors.
“In line with the Second Republic’s vision of attaining an Upper Middle economy by 2030, Zimbabwe has undertaken several reforms to promote the ease of doing business and we invite companies from the State of Kuwait to come to Zimbabwe and invest in different sectors of our economy,” he said.
Ambassador Shava said several incentives are in place for new players to invest in Zimbabwe and remittance of their profits and dividends is guaranteed.
