On the afternoon of August 13, 2010, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with his Zimbabwean counterpart, Robert Mugabe, at the Great Hall of the People.

Hu expressed welcome for Mugabe to attend the Zimbabwean National Pavilion Day at the Shanghai World Expo and visit China again. Hu hailed the profound traditional friendship between both peoples. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 30 years ago, both sides have shown mutual trust and support for each other in the political area and maintained mutually beneficial cooperation and common development in the economic field with exchanges in other areas expanding continuously. Both countries have also kept mutual coordination and close cooperation in international organizations and regional affairs. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and China is ready to work with Zimbabwe to make best use of this opportunity and do a good job in the following three aspects. First, deepen political relations. President Hu urged the two sides to boost high-level exchange while promoting cooperation between government departments, legislative bodies and ruling parties. He also said the two countries should keep in close communication and offer mutual support on major issues that concern each other's core interests and in international multilateral affairs. Second, enhance economic and trade cooperation. "China supports the Zimbabwean government's efforts to promote economic recovery and development and will further cooperation in the mineral industry, agriculture and infrastructure construction," Hu said. China is also ready to explore new ways of cooperation with Zimbabwe and expand areas of cooperation. Third, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges. China is ready to well implement the new program of implementation for the cultural cooperation agreement between the two governments, deepen exchanges and cooperation in areas like art groups, education and human resources training and push for all-round development of China-Zimbabwe friendly cooperative relations, Hu said.

Mugabe fully agreed to President Hu’s important proposals on developing bilateral ties, saying that he was very glad to come to China for the Zimbabwean National Pavilion Day at the Shanghai World Expo and to visit China again. He said the Expo showcases China’s outstanding organizational skills to the whole world and the African Joint Pavilion and the Zimbabwean National Pavilion have attracted many visitors, which helps to increase the Chinese people’s understanding of Africa and deepen Africa-China friendship. China is always Zimbabwe’s friend, said Mugabe, expressing hope that both sides will further tap potential and strengthen exchanges at all levels and pragmatic cooperation in trade, education, healthcare and infrastructure construction. Mugabe said his country welcomes more Chinese companies to invest in Zimbabwe and take part in promotion of the country’s economic and social development. He thanked China for its long-term support of and disinterested assistance for Zimbabwe.

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Minister of Commerce Chen Deming attended the meeting.