HARARE, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) said Friday it looks forward to constructive engagement with Zimbabwe under the new administration of Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Mnangagwa took over from former President Robert Mugabe who resigned after military and public pressure last November.

Relations between Zimbabwe and the EU has been strained since 2002 when the bloc imposed sanctions on Mugabe's government after it embarked on the land reform program.

Although most senior Zimbabwean officials have been removed from the EU sanctions list, Mugabe and his wife still remain sanctioned.

In a statement released on Friday ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels next week, the EU expressed its commitment to reengagement with Zimbabwe after years of frosty ties.

The statement said the EU was expected at the meeting to welcome the stated intention of the Zimbabwean authorities to deliver economic reforms.

Zimbabwe is due to hold national elections mid this year with Mnangagwa promising commitment to ensuring credible elections.

The ruling ZANU-PF party has nominated him as its presidential candidate in the polls.