Ray Nkosi | Minister of Finance and Economic Development Patrick Chinamasa has charmed the UK government in a diplomatic offensive, in which he has painted a bright future for Zimbabwe.

Chinamasa yesterday met with British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Mr Boris Johnson, with the latter taking to the micro blogging site Twitter expressing hope for the future of Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe has had frosty relations with the United Kingdom under the previous regime led by President Robert Mugabe who often blamed the country’s chaos and problems on the former colonial power. The British government has not in the past hidden its disdain for Mugabe, and has openly embraced the Emmerson Mnangagwa led government.

“Good to welcome Patrick Chinamasa, Zimbabwe’s Special Envoy to the UK, to @ForeignOffice today. Great hope and optimism for Zimbabwe’s future, we discussed need for free & fair elections this year & opportunities ahead of us,” tweeted Mr Johnson.

A week ago, Mr Johnson said Britain and United States of America were having fruitful engagements with Zimbabwe.

“Wide-ranging and fruitful talks covering Iran, Yemen, Burma, Zimbabwe & more with bipartisan delegation of US Senators led by @LindseyGrahamSC at the @foreignoffice today. Also discussed strength and depth of relationship,” he tweeted.