Ng'wanza Madaso
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 21, 2008
- 2,268
- 333
Mugabe welcomes EU with 'open arms'
President Robert Mugabe has told the first top-level European Union delegation to visit Zimbabwe in seven years he hopes for successful talks.
Mugabe welcomes EU with 'open arms'
"We welcome you with open arms. We hope our talks will be fruitful with a positive outcome," he said.
Mugabe's positive tone may suggest he is more willing to cooperate with Western power, crucial for Zimbabwe's efforts to secure billions of dollars in aid and foreign investment.
The delegation will also meet Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Mr Mugabe's long-time political rival.
Mr Mugabe has appealed for an end to international sanctions imposed after a 2002 disputed presidential poll.
The EU delegation has described the visit as an attempt to reopen political dialogue with the country.
Hours before the European Union visit to Zimbabwe, Mugabe accused the West of wanting to re-colonise his impoverished African nation.
Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain nearly three decades ago, called Western nations "neo-colonialists" who can "never be our friends."
President Robert Mugabe has told the first top-level European Union delegation to visit Zimbabwe in seven years he hopes for successful talks.
"We welcome you with open arms. We hope our talks will be fruitful with a positive outcome," he said.
Mugabe's positive tone may suggest he is more willing to cooperate with Western power, crucial for Zimbabwe's efforts to secure billions of dollars in aid and foreign investment.
The delegation will also meet Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Mr Mugabe's long-time political rival.
Mr Mugabe has appealed for an end to international sanctions imposed after a 2002 disputed presidential poll.
The EU delegation has described the visit as an attempt to reopen political dialogue with the country.
Hours before the European Union visit to Zimbabwe, Mugabe accused the West of wanting to re-colonise his impoverished African nation.
Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain nearly three decades ago, called Western nations "neo-colonialists" who can "never be our friends."