The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin has gifted his Zimbabwean counterpart a presidential helicopter, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Information has confirmed.
‘His Excellency President Putin has given His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa a Presidential Helicopter, which will soon be delivered to Zimbabwe,’ the ministry said on a Twitter post sighted by Africa Today News, New York.
At the ongoing Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg, President Putin and President Mnangagwa held a meeting to discuss the possibility of Zimbabwe purchasing more Russian-made helicopters.
The summit is taking place at the Expoforum convention center from July 27-28 and includes an economic and humanitarian forum that is taking place simultaneously.
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The theme of the summit is ‘For Peace, Security, and Development‘ and is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with TASS serving as the summit’s media partner and photo hosting agency.
TASS is also hosting the second Russia-Africa Media Forum. The Zimbabwean Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Frederick Shava, confirmed the country’s interest in purchasing more Russian helicopters.
Zimbabwe has long-standing ties to Russia dating back to the war of liberation against white-minority rule.
It is among the African countries that has maintained a neutral stance in the war in Ukraine, refusing to condemn Russia for the invasion.
Recall that the anticipation surrounding Putin’s attendance at the BRICS nations summit in South Africa had quashed as the country’s presidency revealed on Wednesday that he will not be present. This decision was made to dispel any concerns about the likelihood of his detainment.
Pretoria has been grappling with the intricate diplomatic challenge posed by Putin’s potential visit.
As an ICC member, South Africa would be obligated to execute the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against the Russian leader, making his presence in the country a matter of significant concern.