Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Zimbabwe on a trip to strengthen diplomatic relations

Belarus’s president Alexander Lukashenko traveled to Harare on Monday for talks with his Zimbabwean counterpart, Emmerson Mnangagwa, as the two leaders seek to strengthen diplomatic ties.

The two nations have faced Western sanctions – Zimbabwe over concerns over its human rights record and Belarus over its support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Pressure from some members of the international community has helped bring the two nations closer together.

Godwill Masimirembwa, chairman of Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party for Harare province, says the two nations will not succumb to foreign interference.

“The West just remains determined to punish our two countries, but they will not succeed because the development strategies of the two countries are aimed at ensuring that we are self-sufficient,” he explained.

Zimbabwe’s foreign ministry says the two leaders hope to strengthen ties in mining and agriculture. Some analysts add that Belarus may also be trying to export its military hardware and expertise to Zimbabwe.

Lukashenko’s trip to Harare follows Mnangagwa’s visit to Minsk in 2019.