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BEIJING, April 3-- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Zimbabwean counterpart Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between their countries. The two heads of state reached the agreement during their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi said the Zimbabwean people have started a new journey in building their country since Mnangagwa took office last November. "As a good friend, partner and brother of Zimbabwe, we are glad to see that," Xi told Mnangagwa. Hailing the long-term close relationship between the two countries, Xi said the development of China-Zimbabwe ties is facing new opportunities. China stands ready to work with Zimbabwe to jointly lay out the new blueprint of bilateral cooperation to continue the relationship and better benefit the two peoples, Xi said. Calling Mnangagwa "an old friend of the Chinese people who has been long committed to the cause of China-Zimbabwe friendship," Xi said that the visit by Mnangagwa, who chose China as the first non-African country to visit, demonstrates the high importance he attaches to bilateral ties. China and Zimbabwe are "all-weather friends," said Xi, stressing that the two countries have always weathered hard times together, no matter how the international landscape changes. He added that the bilateral friendship will emerge even fresher and stronger. | 
