Denmark to partner Zimbabwe in economic revival

Special Report:Global Financial Crisis

HARARE, March 18 (Chinese media) -- Danish Minister of Cooperation Development Ulla Tornaes arrived in Harare on Tuesday to assess the situation following the formation of the inclusive Government, ZBC News reported on Wednesday.

This makes Denmark the first EU country to start dialogue with Harare. Speaking soon after her arrival at Harare International Airport on Tuesday, Tornaes said she wants to get first hand information on the progress.

"I have read a lot about the country and I am here to get an impression of the progress in the country," she said. Tornaes, however, said the formation of the inclusive Government was an important step forward adding that the new administration should stick to the road map crafted in the broad-based agreement.

"The Government and the road map are important for the fulfilling of the GPA (Global Political Agreement) and would give an opportunity for countries to open up dialogue with Zimbabwe," she said.

The Danish minister began her mission with a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi before holding further talks with Zimbabwe Acting Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara.

Khupe has said the visit by the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation Ullar Tornaes is an indication that the outside world has accepted and is now beginning to embrace the inclusive government.

Speaking to journalists, Khupe said Denmark has, through its minister, expressed its willingness to partner Zimbabwe in its economic revival programs.

Earlier on the Danish delegation met the Minister of Foreign Affairs Simbarashe Mumbengegwi who revealed that the Zimbabwean government is committed to re-establishing normal relations with the European Union which existed prior to the imposition of illegal sanctions.