By Dorrothy Moyo| Japan has subtly chastised ZANU PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa, telling him support can only work after democratic reforms have been implemented.
Japan told Mnangagwa to implement reforms as a necessity for business to thrive.
Mnangagwa is currently visiting Japan to participate in the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) held from August 28 to 30.
At a time when Mnangagwa went on video to claim that during his meeting with that country’s Prime Minister, he was given promises of support, the Japanese Foreign Ministry issued the below statement of events:
On August 30, for about 15 minutes, from 8:45 a.m., Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, in Yokohama, Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. President Mnangagwa is visiting Japan to participate in the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) held from August 28 to 30.
At the outset, Prime Minister Abe mentioned the importance of institutional reforms for promoting business, as discussed at the TICAD7, and stated that, “We hope that reform will be promoted and democratization will be advanced in Zimbabwe under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.”
President Mnangagwa stated, “I appreciate for the invitation to the TICAD. The TICAD process initiated by Japan is the first common platform to discuss African development”, and expressed that he would like to strengthen the bilateral relations including business.
Following that, Prime Minister Abe expressed his condolences to the people who have been affected by Cyclone Idai that hit Zimbabwe this March. He also stated that Japan was providing assistance, expressing Japan’s intention to support early reconstruction. In addition, Prime Minister Abe announced Japan’s intention to support the improvement of hospital facilities and food security, notified that Japan will dispatch an experienced agricultural expert to Zimbabwe, and requested an improvement of the business environment for the promotion of trade and investments between Japan and Zimbabwe. In response, President Mnangagwa expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support in elections, infrastructure, and health. He also expressed Zimbabwe’s intention to promote activities for strengthening economic relations between the two countries.
The two leaders also exchanged views regarding cooperation in the international arena, including UN Security Council reform, and the North Korea situation.