Robert Mugabe still our good friend: Chinese Foreign ministry spokesperson

China today said outgoing Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe is still its "good friend" and respect his choice to resign, lauding the contributions made by the African leader for bilateral ties during his authoritarian rule.

"Mugabe has long been committed to the friendship between China and Zimbabwe and China-Africa and made important contributions in this regard," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lu Kang told media briefing here.

"So we respect his choice to resign and he is still our good friend," Lu said.

Mugabe made the historic contribution to the national independence and liberation cause in Zimbabwe and an advocate of pan-Africa movement, he said.

Mugabe, 93, resigned yesterday, after 37-years of authoritarian rule following the military takeover and public pressure.

China last week played down the significance of the visit of General Chiwenga, commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to Beijing ahead of his move to take control of power saying that it was part of the normal military exchanges.
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