In Beijing on Thursday, Presidents Xi Jinping of China and Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe declared that their bilateral ties would be upgraded to an all-weather community with a shared destiny.

Xi made the declaration while meeting with Mnangagwa, who is in China to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

Xi greeted the president of Zimbabwe warmly during their meeting and urged everyone to recall history together while resolutely preserving international peace. In order to strengthen their relationship even more, he also urged the two sides to expand on the "five-star ironclad" framework for collaboration that was put forth during his meeting with Mnangagwa in September.

"We should jointly remember history, firmly safeguard world peace, oppose hegemonic and bullying acts, uphold international fairness and justice, and push for more just and reasonable development of international order. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe. The 'five-star ironclad' friendship between the two countries continues to deepen. I suggest elevating our bilateral relations to an all-weather community with a shared future to set a model for solidarity and cooperation between China and Africa, and even between China and the Global South," Xi said.

Mnangagwa, for his part, praised China for the large-scale V-Day celebration that was held in Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on Wednesday, stating that the spirit of the Chinese people displayed during World War II would continue to motivate future generations.

"I also convey my congratulations to you, the Chinese nation, for a spectacular military parade which we witnessed yesterday. It was something out of this world. Undoubtedly, the commemorations will go a long way to promote the correct historical narrative of China's great contribution to World War II. The spirit of resilience of the Chinese people and their iron-clad strength will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come," he told Chinese president, Xi.