Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov, arrived in Zimbabwe on 15 April for a working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of agriculture, trade, and economic development.
The visit kicked off with a tour of Bison Agro Machinery, a key partner in the supply and maintenance of Belarusian agricultural equipment in Zimbabwe. Established in 2020, the company has played a pivotal role in advancing Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector by providing modern, high-tech machinery.
During the tour, Ryzhenkov inspected the company’s infrastructure and service capabilities and held discussions with management about expanding the delivery of Belarusian farming, cargo, and specialized machinery to Zimbabwe.
He emphasized that Belarus’ collaboration with Bison Agro Machinery reflects the broader strategy set out by President Aleksandr Lukashenko, which focuses on creating integrated machinery supply centers across Africa. These hubs are designed to offer full-service support — including warranty and post-warranty maintenance — throughout the lifespan of the equipment.
As part of the visit’s itinerary, Ryzhenkov is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with several Zimbabwean government officials, including ministers responsible for foreign affairs, international trade, higher education, innovation, science, mining, and technological development.
A key highlight of the visit will be the meeting of the Belarus-Zimbabwe Standing Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, during which a number of bilateral agreements are expected to be signed.
Ryzhenkov will also meet with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa as part of the Belarusian government delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich. The delegation is also set to inspect Belarusian agricultural machinery showcased under Zimbabwe’s Farm Mechanization Program.
Before arriving in Zimbabwe, Ryzhenkov visited Ethiopia, where he held discussions with Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos. Both sides agreed to fast-track a cooperation roadmap to be signed at the presidential level and endorsed the creation of an intergovernmental commission to drive trade and economic relations between Belarus and Ethiopia.
The ongoing diplomatic engagements underscore Belarus’ commitment to deepening ties with African nations and enhancing collaboration in critical sectors such as agriculture, technology, and trade.
