Beijing respects Mugabe's decision to resign and hails his contribution

China's friendly policy to Zimbabwe will not change, and Robert Mugabe remains "a good friend of Chinese people" despite his resignation from the presidential post, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Wednesday.

His comment followed the resignation of Mugabe, which was announced by Zimbabwean Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda on Tuesday during a joint sitting of Senate and National Assembly that was debating his impeachment motion.

"China respects Mr Mugabe's decision to resign and he is still a good friend of the Chinese people," Lu said.

In his resignation letter, Mugabe said: "I, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, in terms of Section 96 sub section 1 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, hereby formally tender my resignation as the President of Zimbabwe with immediate effect."

The resignation came two days after the ruling Zanu-PF party deposed Mugabe as leader, and also recalled him from government over a litany of charges.

Noting that Mugabe has made historic contributions to the national independence and revolution of Zimbabwe, Lu said Mugabe has long been dedicated to developing the friendship between China and Zimbabwe as well as the whole Africa.

China sticks to the principle of not interfering other countries' internal affairs, Lu said, adding that other countries should follow this policy.

"We would like to continue to stick to the principle of equality, mutual benefits and win-win cooperation, proactively enhance exchanges and cooperation with Zimbabwe, and push the China-Zimbabwe friendly relations to a new stage," he said.

The stability and development of Zimbabwe is in line with the core interests of Zimbabwean people, and it is also the joint expectation of the region as well as international community, he said.

As a good friend of Zimbabwe, China appreciates the efforts of relevant parties to focus on the long-term and fundamental interests of the country, uphold the legal framework, and properly handle the issues through coordination, Lu said, while expressing confidence in the Zimbabwean people's ability to keep stable politics and maintain national development.

The China-Zimbabwe traditional friendship has stood the test of time and global changes, Lu said, adding that the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries has been enhanced in all areas, bringing real benefits for the two sides.

Noting that China attaches great importance to developing relations with Zimbabwe, the spokesman said that China would like to make joint efforts with all parties in Zimbabwe to push the bilateral friendship and enhance cooperation in all areas.

Zimbabwe's former vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was dismissed by Mugabe on Nov 6 and left the country, is expected to take over as leader.

He said will not return until he is satisfied that his personal security is guaranteed.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mnangagwa confirmed that he had spoken with Mugabe on Monday.

He said he had told Mugabe that the current political and constitutional crisis in the country was not a matter between the two of them but between the people of Zimbabwe and Mugabe.

"The people of Zimbabwe have spoken with one voice and it is my appeal to President Mugabe that he should take heed of this clarion call by the people of Zimbabwe to resign so that the country can move forward and preserve his legacy," he said.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 11/23/2017 page12)