BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced here on Thursday upgrading the two countries' relations to an all-weather community with a shared future.

The announcement was made during Xi's meeting with Mnangagwa, who is in China for commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Xi stressed that the ever-deepening "five-star ironclad" friendship of the two countries has set an example for solidarity and collaboration between China and Africa, as well as among the Global South.

China will continue to firmly support Zimbabwe in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and in opposing external interference and illegal sanctions, Xi said.

He called for enhanced cooperation in infrastructure construction, mining, investment and trade to strengthen and elevate bilateral relations.

China stands ready to work with Zimbabwe to implement the outcomes of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, jointly carry out the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), better build the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), strengthen cooperation among the Global South, and advance the development of the international order in a more just and reasonable manner, Xi said.

Mnangagwa expressed his honor in attending the historic commemorations in China. The international community should remember China's significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and uphold the correct historical view of World War II, he said.

Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe looks forward to joining China in building the all-weather community with a shared future, and will continue to adhere to the one-China principle.

Noting that China has put forward a series of key initiatives, such as the GGI, facilitated the establishment of the IOMed, and granted zero-tariff treatment to African countries, he said Zimbabwe is willing to work with China to implement these initiatives and safeguard international fairness and justice.