Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa disclosed that the issue of Zimbabwe joining BRICS was discussed directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I discussed this with President Putin during a one-on-one meeting. I informed him that I had previously raised the topic with my South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa," he said.

At the conclusion of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum's (SPIEF) plenary session with the Russian President, the Zimbabwean leader also highlighted that mutually beneficial cooperation, partnership, and investment based on complementarity provide a more sustainable foundation for a multipolar world and the development of new areas of growth.

The discussions between the two leaders occurred on the evening of 6th June. The following day, 7th June, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced during the plenary session of SPIEF that the GDP share of the BRICS countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia, which have joined the group, has risen to 36 percent.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that Moscow considers the development of relations with African countries a top priority. During a meeting with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa in St. Petersburg, Putin remarked that the presence of an African leader at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum (SPIEF) indicated mutual interest in fostering stronger ties.

Putin highlighted that Russia and Zimbabwe established their relations during a period when African nations were combating neocolonialism. He expressed satisfaction that the trade turnover between the two countries had significantly increased over the past year.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow considers the development of relations with African countries a top priority. During a meeting with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa in St. Petersburg, Putin remarked that the presence of an African leader at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum (SPIEF) indicated mutual interest in fostering stronger ties.

Putin highlighted that Russia and Zimbabwe established their relations during a period when African nations were combating neocolonialism. He expressed satisfaction that the trade turnover between the two countries had significantly increased over the past year.

Mnangagwa expressed concerns over the US military's consolidation in Zambia, highlighting historical ties between Zimbabwe and Zambia when they were once part of the same country. He stated that the presence of American forces posed security and financial threats to Zimbabwe.

"We were formerly part of a unified country that was later divided. The Americans are concentrating their forces in Zambia, which impacts our security and financial stability," he explained.

In contrast to its neighbour Zambia, Zimbabwe aims to achieve genuine independence and seeks support from Russia in this endeavour, Mnangagwa emphasised.

Image Source: ZBC News