His Excellency Cde. Robert Mugabe, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, visited the premises of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) in Almas Tower. President Mugabe was accompanied by the First Lady Mrs. Grace Mugabe and the Ambassador of Zimbabwe to the GCC, Hon. Mark Grey Marongwe, and was welcomed by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) and Peter Meeus, Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE).

Zimbabwe and Dubai have very strong trade relations going back to the discovery of diamonds in the Marange fields. Today Zimbabwe is the fourth largest diamond-producing nation in the world and has the Industry to supply the world market with over 30% of rough diamonds in the next three years.

His Excellency Cde. Robert Mugabe said: “It is encouraging to see how Dubai has developed tailor-made strategies to an industry which was new to them only twelve years ago. We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and conviction in which policies have been pursued and businesses successfully attracted. We are happy to be part of this success story and look forward to continue a mutual beneficial relationship with Dubai in the future exploration and exploitation of our diamond business.”

Ahmed Bin Sulayem commented: “DMCC strongly supports Zimbabwe’s diamond industry for the future. At the Dubai Diamond Exchange we offer a platform which serves as a bridge between producing and consuming nations. Having personally witnessed the energy and ambitious mentality of the nation during the inaugural Zimbabwe Diamond Conference 2012, I am particularly ecstatic with His Excellency Cde. Robert Mugabe, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe’s visit to the DDE as a support for our common ideals to improve the status of the world diamond industry.”