President vows to deepen relations with Zimbabwe

President Xi Jinping has congratulated Emmerson Mnangagwa on his reelection as Zimbabwean president, vowing to promote bilateral ties.

In a congratulatory message sent to Mnangagwa on Wednesday, Xi said that China and Zimbabwe enjoy traditional friendship.

In recent years, the two countries have constantly deepened their political mutual trust and achieved fruitful results from their pragmatic cooperation, he said, adding that they have firmly supported each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns.

Noting that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Zimbabwe relations, Xi said that he is willing to work with Mnangagwa to advance new progress in the countries' comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, and safeguard international fairness and justice as well as the common interests of developing countries.

Mnangagwa won the presidential elections held on Aug 23 and 24, securing 52.6 percent of the total votes, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission announced on Aug 26.

Mnangagwa said after a successful first five-year term, the thrust of his government now would be to ensure the consolidation of the country's food security.