Xi hails Mugabe's successor as 'old friend of China

President Xi Jinping greeted Zimbabwean counterpart Emmerson Mnangagwa as an "old friend" of China today as the African leader visited Beijing, which previously backed his ousted predecessor Robert Mugabe.

Mnangagwa, who received military training in China when he was a young liberation fighter in the 1960s, was met with a military honour guard at the Great Hall of the People on his first state visit outside of Africa.

The two leaders oversaw the signing of six documents, including a letter on economic and development cooperation and another on emergency food assistance, as Mnanangwa seeks help from a major ally with historic ties to Zimbabwe.

"I heartily welcome President Mnangagwa on his visit to Beijing," Xi said as the two sat down for talks.

"You are an old friend of China and I appreciate your efforts to develop relations in all areas," he said.

Mugabe sacked Mnangagwa from his job as vice president in November over a succession tussle with the first lady Grace Mugabe, leading to a military intervention that culminated with the veteran president's ousting and Mnangagwa taking office.

The country's then-army chief, General Constantino Chiwenga, had visited Beijing shortly before the military action, leading to questions about whether China had any role in the power transfer.

Chiwenga was named vice president in December. China denied it played any part in the transition.

Beijing had long been one of Mugabe's most powerful allies and a major trade partner, as the West shunned him over his government's human rights violations, but it avoided publicly taking sides during his ousting.

"Last November Zimbabwe achieved a peaceful, smooth transfer of power that was broadly recognised by the international community," Xi said.

"I am willing to work with Mr. president (Mnangagwa) to jointly map out our future cooperation and write a new chapter in China-Zimbabwe relations for the benefit of our two peoples."