President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Belarusian counterpart Aleksandr Lukashenko discussed defence and security issues besides the business contracts that were reportedly signed by officials from the two countries.
Lukashenko visited the United Arab Emirates, had a state visit to Zimbabwe, and then returned to the UAE.
Press secretary of the Belarusian head of state Natalya Eismont shared previously unknown details of the meetings and negotiations between Lukashenko and Mnangagwa. Said Eismont, as quoted by Belta:
With regard to Zimbabwe, I mean the things that have not been made public: these were defense and security issues. The journalists, who worked with us, were present at the reception, too. This was a very special event.
Different countries have their own traditions. In general, a reception is an informal communication, a cultural part of the visit. It is a special, more relaxed moment. Here it was quite different.
There is a tradition in Zimbabwe for heads of state to give speeches at the reception and to dwell on the results.
Our president made a very serious speech, which was heard, including by journalists. He touched upon these issues there. I mean defense and security issues. These issues were discussed in detail.