Story by Abigirl Tembo
ZIMBABWE has been invited to attend Egypt’s Defence and Military Industries Exhibition (EDEX) which will take place from the 4th to the 7th of December in Cairo.
The development comes as relations between the two countries continue to grow.
Zimbabwe’s invite to attend Egypt’s Defense and Military Industries Exhibition was delivered to the Minister of Defence, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri by Egypt’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Salwa Mowafi.
The exhibition is a global event which attracts major international companies that produce military defence systems and is a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase the latest technology, equipment and systems across land, sea and air.
“It was a very successful meeting. We discussed a lot of array of issues concerning the cooperation between the two countries in various sectors of the economy and areas like the construction of hospitals. The top issue was the official invitation for participating in the exhibition of military, industry in Egypt which will take place in Cairo from the 4th to the 7th of December. We will be so proud to host her, and this will pave the way for more deliberations between the two countries,” said Ambassador Mowafi.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri commended the relations between Zimbabwe and Egypt in all sectors of the economy hinting at more collaboration between the two countries.
“My going to Egypt is a positive sign since we signed an agreement with the Joint JPCCC which last met in 1990, this MOU which I will be able to sign during my visit in December during the exhibition will open more doors for the military, particularly in the area of training of our forces and also participating in the military games because every country has a special day where forces showcase. We are looking at the possibility of exchanges in the health sector, we are building new hospitals, and they are experts,” she said
“They are more specialised in biological and chemical warfare. Of us who went to the liberation struggle, our enemies used chemicals as a form of warfare so we are saying they are experts in treating such ailments and will cooperate in that area because they are more advanced. We will also discuss the possibility of engaging in joint ventures, we have an outstanding letter of intent on fisheries between our two countries,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
The two countries have enjoyed cordial relations since Zimbabwe’s independence, with Egypt having been one of the Arab countries which were solidly behind Zimbabwe’s struggle for liberation.