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WONG: And it looks like the political crisis in Zimbabwe has finally taken a turn for the better. President Robert Mugabe and longtime rival Morgan Tsvangirai have signed an historic power-sharing agreement. Heres more on the story. STORY: To cheers and some jeers - a deal that few thought was possible Robert Mugabe signs a power-sharing pact with the man he vowed would never govern Zimbabwe, opposition rival Morgan Tsvangirai. The men smiled and shook hands at a ceremony in the capital Harare, which was attended by African dignitaries. The deal, brokered by South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki, followed weeks of tough negotiations to end the political crisis that's paralyzed the country following Mugabe's controversial presidential run-off election in June. The agreement calls upon Mugabe to relinquish some of his powers. Zimbabwe's veteran leader retains the presidency but his MDC opponent becomes prime minister. Tsvangirai said the agreement "sees the return of hope to all our lives." [Morgan Tsvangirai, Prime Minister And MDC Leader]: "I signed this agreement because I believe it represents the best opportunity to build a prosperous democratic Zimbabwe." Mugabe said he was "committed to the deal" while making it clear that he wouldn't tone down his attacks on Western countries for which he blames all Zimbabwe's ills. [Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe President]: "We'll cooperate with those who are well disposed toward us but we must resist those who want to impose their own will on us." The deputy PM role is awarded to leader of the breakaway Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) faction, Arthur Mutambara. The deal is expected to split control of the powerful security forces that have been key backers of Mugabe. Zimbabweans hope the agreement will be a first step in helping to rescue the once prosperous nation from economic collapse. Inflation has rocketed to over 11 million percent and millions have fled to neighboring southern African countries. Western capitals are still keen to see how the deal works in practice, but the European Union said it was ready to bring aid to Zimbabwe if the new government took measures to restore democracy and the rule of law.