Photo taken on June 27, 2018 shows the Hwange Thermal Power Station in Hwange, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday commissioned the construction of a $1.5 billion Chinese-funded Hwange Power Station expansion project, the second major power development project by China in the southern African country in five years. The expansion to be carried out by China's power and engineering construction firm, Sinohydro, will add two generating units each producing 335 megawatts (MW). (Photo: Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)

HARARE, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Outgoing Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Huang Ping has said that cooperation between China and Zimbabwe will continue to flourish and that China will remain a true friend of Zimbabwe.

Speaking to journalists on Monday after bidding farewell to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the ambassador said he was happy that during his tenure, ties between the two countries were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership which will allow the two countries to further boost their cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

Various cooperation projects were implemented during Huang's three-year tenure including the upgrading of Victoria Falls International Airport and the expansion of Kariba South Hydro Power Station by an additional 300 megawatts.

China was also financing the expansion of Hwange Power Station that will add another 600 MW into the national grid when completed in 2022.

Huang said the two power projects will ensure Zimbabwe becomes self-reliant in power supply.

"We have seen the rise of trade and investment between the two countries. Lots of projects have also been implemented and we will continue to cooperate in all the fields and sectors of the economy." he said.