‘Significant potential’ for increased trade says Putin during meeting with Mnangagwa

By Political Correspondent 

‘Zimbabwe is our reliable partner on the African continent,’ Russia ‘s Vladimir Putin said during a meeting in Moscow with President Emmerson Mnangagwa adding that there was significant potential for increased trade between the two countries.

Mnangagwa was in Moscow for celebrations marking the 80^th anniversary of Russia’s victory over Nazi Germany, joining more than 20 other world leaders at the annual commemorations.

In his opening remarks during bilateral talks, President Putin said Zimbabwe was a reliable partner on the African continent.

“Russia and Zimbabwe share common – or closely aligned – positions on most key issues on the international agenda,” he said.

“We stand together in advocating for the establishment of a just multipolar world order based on the supremacy of international law. Mr President, we value your consistent support for Russian initiatives at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.”

The Russian leader recalled that, “in June last year, we had substantive talks on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

“Contacts are maintained between our respective government agencies; interparliamentary dialogue is advancing, and parliamentary friendship groups are active in both houses of the Russian Federal Assembly.”

He added, “While current Russia-Zimbabwe trade remains modest, there is significant potential for growth across a range of sectors, including geological exploration, energy, and agriculture.”

Higher education cooperation also continues between the two countries with some 460 Zimbabwean students currently studying in Russia.

“We continue to provide the necessary assistance and support to your country whenever needed. Last year, we delivered 25,000 tonnes of wheat and tens of thousands of tonnes of fertilisers,” the Russian leader added.

“Furthermore, in December 2025, a decision was made to allocate additional funding to the UN World Food Programme, among other support initiatives.”

In his brief remarks, President Mnangagwa said he valued “the opportunity to once again hold discussions, to deepen and strengthen our existing bilateral cooperation, following our last meeting in St Petersburg in June 2024.”

Putin’s delegation to the talks included foreign affairs minister Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, the Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Russian Co-Chair of the Russia-Zimbabwe Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation Alexander Kozlov, the Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut, Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko, the Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, as well as Governor of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina.

MORE PICTURES: