Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
Asian countries have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cultural, diplomatic and economic ties with Zimbabwe through people-to-people exchanges and cultural diplomacy.
Speaking at the inaugural Asian Cultural Festival held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare on Saturday, Director responsible for Africa, Asia and the Pacific in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Mr Spencer Dube, said cultural exchanges were key to strengthening bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Asian countries.
The festival, held under the theme; “Connecting Asia and Zimbabwe,” was jointly hosted by China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Pakistan.
Mr Dube said Zimbabwe’s engagement with Asia was anchored on mutual respect, solidarity and a shared commitment to sustainable development.
“Zimbabwe’s relationship with Asia is anchored in deep solidarity, mutual respect and a shared commitment to self-determination and sustainable development. South-South cooperation continues to flourish, spanning transformative infrastructure development, agriculture, innovation and food security initiatives,” he said.
Mr Dube said the festival provided an opportunity for Zimbabweans to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Asian countries while identifying similarities with local traditions.
“By celebrating Asian culture in Harare, we enrich our ways of life with Ubuntu, with the timeless wisdom and dynamic energy of our people,” he said.
Mr Dube said the Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa, remained committed to its engagement and re-engagement policy, guided by the principle of being “a friend to all and an enemy to none”.
He also commended members of the Asian diaspora living and working in Zimbabwe for their contribution to the country’s socio-economic development.
China’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the festival was an important platform for building bridges between Asia and Zimbabwe and described it as the first event of its kind in the country to bring together seven Asian embassies.
“Today, we gather at the National Archives to celebrate and also to build bridges. This festival is jointly organised by our seven ambassadors from East and South Asian countries in collaboration with Diplomat Media,” he said.
Ambassador Zhou said the festival sought to promote cultural interaction, friendship and people-to-people connections.
He said the shared values of family, community, resilience and mutual respect in Asian societies resonated with the philosophy of Ubuntu.
The Chinese Embassy showcased traditional dances, Chinese language and cultural displays, traditional medicine consultations and Chinese cuisine.
Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Bramha Kumar said culture transcended borders and generations, helping nations discover common aspirations despite differences in traditions.
“Through music, dance, cuisine, art, recreation and traditions, we discover that, while our customs may differ, our aspirations are remarkably similar — to live in peace, preserve our heritage and build a better future for our children,” he said.
Ambassador Kumar said Zimbabwe and India enjoyed warm relations, with the Indian community making significant contributions to commerce, industry, education, healthcare and community life.
He said India’s cultural influence in Zimbabwe continued to grow through yoga, Ayurveda, films, music and other cultural exchanges, while cricket remained an important link between the two countries.
Indonesian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Arief Hidayat said cultural diplomacy was an effective way of bringing people closer together.
“Cultural diplomacy is the best and most effective way to bring people more closely together,” he said.
The Indonesian Embassy showcased traditional dances, food and products, including instant noodles and coffee, while an Indonesian film was also scheduled to be screened as part of the festival programme.
Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Maekawa Nobutaka said the festival provided an opportunity for Zimbabweans to experience Japanese traditional arts, crafts, cuisine and contemporary culture.
Visitors to the Japanese exhibition were able to experience activities including origami, traditional crafts, calligraphy, yukata dressing and Japanese games, while also sampling Japanese cuisine.
Korean Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jae-kyung Park said the festival demonstrated the shared commitment of Asian countries and Zimbabwe to friendship and cooperation.
He said Korea was showcasing its cuisine, cultural exhibitions and a Taekwondo demonstration by members of the Zimbabwean national team.
“Taekwondo has become a bridge connecting our countries, promoting values of discipline, respect and friendship among people of all ages,” he said.
Pakistan Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Muhammad Amjad Aziz Qazi invited visitors to experience Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, cuisine and film.
The Pakistani exhibition featured traditional dishes, including biryani and kebabs, while a Pakistani film centred on cricket was also scheduled for screening.
Chargé d’Affaires for the Embassy of Malaysia Mr Aniff Fauzi said the festival provided an opportunity for people to enjoy Asian music and cultural performances while strengthening connections among participating countries.
The festival featured music, traditional dances, martial arts demonstrations, cultural exhibitions, traditional attire and cuisine from the participating Asian countries.
