The message reads, in part:
“Many important events in contemporary history of Zimbabwe are linked with the name of Robert Mugabe. He made a major personal contribution to the struggle for your country’s independence and to building institutions of Zimbabwean statehood.
The people of Russia will remember him as a consistent advocate of developing friendly relations between our countries and a person who had accomplished a great deal to strengthen mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation.”
The President of Russia also asked Emmerson Mnangagwa to convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the family and friends of Robert Mugabe.