MOSCOW, March 8 (AGCNewsNet) – Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Amon Murwira, has arrived in Moscow for diplomatic talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as the country awaits a decision on its application to join BRICS.

At a joint press conference, Lavrov emphasized the strong ties between Russia and Zimbabwe, highlighting their cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, and technological development.

Lavrov revealed that Russia annually grants 125 scholarships to Zimbabwean students and is willing to increase this number. He also announced that the third Russia-Africa summit will be held in 2026, with the second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum set for 2025 in an African country.

Murwira reaffirmed Zimbabwe's commitment to deepening economic ties with Russia, emphasizing that joining BRICS is a key priority.

Responding to a question from TV BRICS correspondent Yana Panferova, Murwira stated that Zimbabwe has submitted its BRICS application and is awaiting feedback based on the bloc’s consensus framework.

“Zimbabwe is currently working on fulfilling the necessary requirements for BRICS membership. We are at the application stage and are awaiting a response,” Murwira said.

This visit marks Murwira’s first trip to Moscow since assuming office as Zimbabwe’s Foreign Minister.