Harare [Zimbabwe], Nov 4 (ANI): India and Zimbabwe have agreed to take the bilateral relations between the countries to the next level by strengthening existing areas of cooperation and opening new areas of engagement

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, who was on a two-day official visit to the African country, met Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and discussed issues of mutual interest between the two countries.

The Vice President and the accompanying delegation also held bilateral talks with the Zimbabwean delegation, co-chaired by Zimbabwe Vice President Kembo Dugish Campbell Mohadi. The two sides reviewed the entire gamut of the bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation.

Both the leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism.

The leaders also expressed their commitment to work together at the United Nations and other multilateral for fighting the menace of terrorism.

Zimbabwe also welcomed the defence training slots extended by India to Zimbabwe Defence Forces to train in premier Indian Defence Institutions.

During the visit, Vice President Naidu also announced USD 310 million Line of Credit for up-gradation of Hwange Thermal Power Station, USD 23 million Line of Credit for rehabilitation of Bulawayo Thermal Power Plant and an additional USD 19.5 million Line of Credit for Deka Pumping and River Water Intake System.

Apart from this, grant for construction of Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre, USD 2.93 million grants for up-gradation of Indo-Zim Technology Centre and 10 Indian made Ambulances were also gifted to Zimbabwe.

With an aim to enhance trade and economic relation, Vice President Naidu and the Zimbabwean President called upon the private sectors to explore and take advantage of the pro-business climate existing in both countries.

Six Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were also signed during this visit for cooperation in the fields of geology, mining and mineral resources, action plan on information and communication technology, cooperation in the field of traditional medicine and homeopathy, cooperation in the field of arts, culture and heritage, cooperation and collaboration on broadcasting, and visa Waiver Agreement for holder of diplomatic and official/service passport passports.

Vice President Naidu also laid a wreath at National Heroes Acre Monument in Harare, where the national heroes of Zimbabwe are honoured and laid to rest.

The Vice President also addressed the Indian community in Harare and laid the foundation stone of new Chancery project.

Naidu was accompanied by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Krishan Pal Gurjar, two Members of Parliament and other senior Government officials and a business delegation. (ANI)

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