INDIA: Chiwenga sends 15-man security team to prepare for two-day visit; advance team comprises over 30 people

By Political Correspondent

SURAT: An advance team comprising more than 30 officials, including several security officers, is already in India ahead of vice president Constantino Chiwenga’s two-day visit the country.

According to reports, the delegation comprises a high-level security and protocol team as well as media crews from the Zimpapers group and the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).

Chiwenga is due to visit India from the 22nd to the 23rd August, reportedly at the invitation of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI).

ALSO READ:

• Zimbabwe Vice President to Visit SGCCI for High-Level Trade Talks
• Zimbabwe Vice President’s Visit to Surat: Security Team Reviews Preparations

The advance team arriving in Surat Monday from New Delhi included Minister Plenipotentiary (deputy ambassador) Edson Moyo, Trade Promotion Officer Nomusa Mugwambi, Chief Director Irene Doroh, Director of Bilateral Trade and Diaspora S. Mateta, along with over 30 senior officials, protocol experts, journalists, and security personnel.

Officials travelling from Zimbabwe were identified as; Ms. Irene M. Doroh (Chief Director), Mrs. S. Mateta (Director – Bilateral Trade and Diaspora (MOFAIT)), Mr. Bekithemba Bhebhe (Deputy Director), Ms. Tsungai Gozo (Deputy Director), Mr. William Mushore (DIO), Mr. Charles Chilapula (Protocol Officer (MOFAIT)), Ms. Siphathelokuhle Dube (Executive Assistant), Mr. Actwell Mashavave (Protocol Officer (OPC).

Local media reports identified by name some 15 officers who were described as part of Chiwenga’s security team being part of the meetings at the SGCCI offices.

The advance team inspected various potential visit sites for Chiwenga, including the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), textile units, Sumul Dairy, the diamond industry, and the solar energy sector. Additionally, they reviewed preparations at Platinum Hall in Sarsana, where the “Chalo Zimbabwe” event is scheduled for the evening of August 23.

According to SGCCI president Nikhil Madrasi, the Vice President will be accompanied by a delegation comprising cabinet ministers and senior government officials.

The Zimbabwean delegation will hold high-level meetings with Surat’s leading industrialists and prominent leaders.

SGCCI’s leadership “expressed confidence that the visit will strengthen trade ties between India and Zimbabwe, opening new avenues in textiles, diamonds, agriculture, and renewable energy”.