President Emmerson Mnangagwa has spoken on why he has not met former President Robert Mugabe.

Talking to journalists Mnangagwa explained that he for a fact did not request to meet his former boss, as reported in other news. Below is what he says to the Standard.

BM: In relation to other media reports, it was reported that you had requested to see Mugabe after your trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). What is your comment on this?

ED: I did not ask to meet him. We discussed, me and the former president, and in the course of our discussion, because previously I had indicated to him that me and the current leadership we would be going to his house to pay our respects on his birthday.

But I was not able to do so because on that particular day I was in Bulawayo at the launch of the railway coaches.

So, I said I had promised to come on that day with some of my leadership, but we were not able to do so because I was away.

But then I was now going to the DRC and when we come back from the DRC, we can arrange when we will be able to meet.

BM: Did you meet?

ED: If I had met with him, you would be the first to know that I have met him.

So, when I came from the DRC, the former president went to South Africa for some five to six days, I think. He is back now.

BM: Mr President, we understand that you will travel to China next month and this visit comes at a time when diplomatic relations between Harare and most Western governments have been thawing.

Are we seeing a shift in the country’s foreign policy considering that your predecessor focused on the Look East policy?

ED: On my inauguration I said I have a duty to make courtesy calls on my peers in Sadc and I have done that.

Secondly, I must do it to AU, I have done that. Thirdly, outside Africa, the first country I will visit is China. What does that tell you? Have I answered you?

BM: Partly.

BM: Some of your critics, who include former Finance minister Tendai Biti, have said government has no legal instruments to prosecute companies and individuals who failed to return what you called externalised funds. What is your comment on this?