President Emmerson Mnangagwa praised President William Ruto on Saturday for his advocacy against sanctions targeting Zimbabwe.
Speaking to a delegation that included Ruto, the Zimbabwean head of state acknowledged Ruto as the sole leader advocating for the removal of penalties imposed on his nation.
Mnangagwa stated that few leaders would have taken the same stance as President Ruto did during the United Nations Annual General Conference.
“We applaud President Ruto‘s stand internationally where he has publicly denounced sanctions imposed against Zimbabwe,” Mnangagwa narrated.
Mnangagwa also acknowledged Kenya's close relationship with Zimbabwe even as he termed President Ruto as a close ally.
"At the UN general conference, some leaders talk their mind, some talk about the problem they face some talk about what they think needs to be done," the Zimbabwe president noted.
“But My brother can say lift sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe to the world, so indeed, we have a friend in Kenya and Kenya is our friend," he added.
Similarly, President Ruto lauded Mnangagwa for his determination to revive the economy of Zimbabwe.
"In particular, I commend your resolve to undertake bold and necessary reforms and promote investments and other forms of support," Ruto stated.
“I stand here to affirm Kenya’s commitment to the flourishing of our bilateral relations, and our shared determination to advance and enhance mutual benefit through partnership and consultation,” Ruto added.
In March of this year, the United States levied sanctions against Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the nation's first lady.
These sanctions were imposed based on allegations of the Zimbabwean head of state's involvement in human rights abuses and corruption.
Mnangagwa stands accused of shielding gold and diamond smugglers operating within Zimbabwe.
