THE United Kingdom has committed $23 million to assist
victims of Cyclone Idai in Southern Africa, British Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms
Melanie Robinson has said.
She said the British royal family, led by Queen Elizabeth
II, sent letters of greetings and condolences to the people of Zimbabwe through
President Mnangagwa.
She said this after an hour-long meeting with the President
at his Munhumutapa Building Office in Harare yesterday.
“I was also able to say to the President myself that my
condolences are with him and the people of Zimbabwe,” she said.
“I was able to tell him that the UK has already committed
US$23 million which is the largest bilateral donor to the region at the moment
in response to Cyclone Idai.
“Here in Zimbabwe we have prepositioned equipment in Mutare
so we have been able to respond very quickly and that is health equipment,
medical supply and some hygiene equipment and making sure that it get to the
people who really need it.
“We have been working to make sure that children reunite
with their families. I am also happy to say the British people are putting the
money to help the people of Zimbabwe this time I think following an excellent
example by the people of Zimbabwe who have really come together as a country to
help those affected. And the UK government has said it will support pound-for-pound
all the money from UK people.
“My message was really one of condolence and the British
people standing with the people of Zimbabwe at this difficult time.”
A source close the deliberations intimated that the
discussions also focused on Zimbabwe’s prospects of rejoining the Commonwealth
and re-engagement.
“There was also a discussion around the issue of
Commonwealth in light of the events that happened in August last year and
January this year,” said the source.
“The ambassador also briefed the President about Brexit and
what it means to Zimbabwe. On the issue of debt clearance, there was also
another discussion in light of the G7 Summit that is coming in May in Paris,
France. There are certain things that we are supposed to do as Zimbabwe but UK
has committed to support us.” Herald
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