During formal meetings in Canberra, Australian PM Julia Gillard told Tsvangirai that Australia is a “firm friend” of the Zimbabwean people as they strive for peace and democracy.
A statement released after private talks on Monday said Gillard told Tsvangirai Australia would continue to speak out against threats to free and fair elections, including political violence and intimidation.
In a speech at an official luncheon at Parliament House, Gillard lavished praise on Tsvangirai.
“You come to this place as much more than just a leader. You are a hero,” she said.
“Like Nelson Mandela, like Aung San Suu Kyi and Xanana Gusmao you are one of the remarkable figures of our times.
“You embody the aspirations of an entire people. Through your resilience and humility, you represent a nation on the long road back to healing.”
Australia re-established diplomatic ties with Harare after the formation of the Government of National Unity in 2009, after falling out with President Robert Mugabe.
Ms Gillard said Australian aid in Zimbabwe was directed towards water, sanitation and electricity infrastructure, education exchanges and next month’s national census.
“We are under no illusions about how fragile circumstances are in your nation and how much is still to be done,” she said.
“The strength of progress in Zimbabwe will continue to be tested, especially in next year's elections.”
Tsvangirai, who visited Japan last week, used the visit to push for an end to sanctions which Australia imposed on the Mugabe regime in 2002 and spruik investment opportunities in Zimbabwe.
He said the formation of the “inclusive government is a step towards rectifying this political division”.
“My visit here has been largely to explain to the political leadership and to the business community that Zimbabwe is ready to re-engage with the international community,” Tsvangirai said.
“We've gone through the very dark history of our country, a very dark and unfortunate history in which brother was fighting against brother.
“I hope that as people move to believe in Africa once more, not as a continent of poverty, hunger and disease, but as an opportunity continent, Zimbabwe can ride on that crest also and be one of the leading countries on our continent.”
Australian trade minister Dr Craig Emerson said the government was open to ending sanctions and would seek advice from Tsvangirai.
Post published in: Africa News
If Trade Minister Craig Emerson and the government of Australia is to be true to his word to ease the targeted sanctions “to reward the reformers and show the hardliners that reform does actually pay dividends.†Then sanction should increased and tightened because there have been no meaningful reforms in Zimbabwe.
The people of Zimbabwe are frustrated at lack of meaningful political reforms necessary for free elections, restoration of law and order, economic recover, etc. They are angry with PM Tsvangirai for his betrayal, by signing the one-sided power sharing agreement with Mugabe he allowed the tyrant to enter State House through the back door, and for his repeated attempts to falsify the reality on the ground. Zimbabwe is NOT ready to re-engage and therefore the sanctions must stay!
We are happy for him it is people around you who will see your good keep it up Priminister we proud of you we happy to see you ranked with Africa s greats like his excellence former SA President Nelson Mandela
Mr Tsvangirai did not mention the threat of the army or the 51% threat to foreign owned companies in any of his interviews, how does he expect countries like Australia or Japan to invest when their investments cannot be made freely or securely? He painted a positive picture of his role in government and his “working relationship” with mugabe, yet on the ground mugabe and his henchmen are still in full control with no one really taking the PM’s authority seriously. Granted Mr Tsvangirai is in a difficult situation and has done the best with what he has to work with as he has no army he can use as a stick to threaten and beat his opponents with.