By Edward Makuzva
HARARE – Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Mr Ridadh ak- Maliki said the Bilateral Relations between Zimbabwe and Palestine continue to grow in leaps and bounds as the two countries foster various spheres of cooperation.
Addressing the journalists, soon after touching down at the Robert Mugabe International airport, Sunday, Minister Al – Maliki highlighted the purpose of his visit.
The Palestinian Minister is in the country on a three- day work visit.
“The relationship between Zimbabwe and Palestine is historic, we are proud of our brotherly relationship and we want to show our support and solidarity with Zimbabwe against all types of sanctions we are here to see how we can work together to collaborate because solidarity is just not enough in terms of words but also terms of action and deeds. It’s very important that our presence here will reflect our commitment towards our relationship with Zimbabwe,” Al- Maliki explained.
During his visit, Dr Maliki is expected to rely the special message from President, Abbas to His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Cooperation between the state of Palestine and Zimbabwe is historical, given the shared bonds of solidarity exemplified by the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) towards Zimbabwe’s liberation movement during the days of our struggle.
Zimbabwe continues to support the rights of the Palestinian people and initiatives that led to the establishment of the independent State of Palestine from Israel’s occupation.
Following the attainment of national Independence in 1980, the PLO Subsequently appointed a representative in Harare. Upon the Declaration of the state of Palestine in 1988, Zimbabwe become one of the first African state to extend full diplomatic recognition to the state of Palestine again a testament to the strong ties between the two states.
Meanwhile,the visit by the Palestinian Foreign Minister to Zimbabwe will also see Zimbabwe and Palestine establishing new ways of deepening and consolidating their bilateral relations.
