Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
CABINET has approved the Foreign Relations and International Trade Policy that will advance and promote the country’s interests, global standing, as well as create a stable and peaceful global environment that fosters Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the policy will also seek to promote international trade, tourism, education, technology and culture.
It also seeks to protect Zimbabweans living in the Diaspora.
Dr Muswere said the policy will be guided by six tenets of the country’s foreign relations and international cooperation doctrine, which reflect Zimbabwe’s values and national identity, which serve as the philosophical framework behind its foreign policy decisions.
“Cabinet considered and approved the Foreign Relations and International Trade Policy,” Dr Muswere said.
“The Foreign Relations and International Trade Policy is anchored on the following goals: promotion of a peaceful and secure international environment for Zimbabwe’s development; facilitation of local production for international markets to promote trade; promotion of international tourism for Zimbabwe’s prosperity; fostering international cooperation in Education, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture; and the promotion and protection of the interests of Zimbabwean Citizens living abroad.”
Dr Muswere said a strong and effective foreign service structure is vital for promoting Zimbabwe’s national interests and enhancing its international reputation.
“Implementation of the Foreign Relations and International Trade Policy will be guided by Zimbabwe’s Doctrine on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation, which has the following six tenets:
“Zimbabwe’s strength lies in its heritage and its people (Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo); ii) Zimbabwe is committed to overcoming colonial mindsets; iii) leaving no one and no place behind; iv) the friend to all and enemy to none mantra; v) Zimbabwe is Open for Business; and vi) Zimbabwe will never be a colony again.
“A robust Foreign Service architecture is essential for advancing national interests and global standing for the integrity, dignity and prosperity of Zimbabwe.”
Speaking at the same briefing, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, said the policy was implementing the national doctrine, which promotes and advances Zimbabwe’s interests.
“When we are interacting with any nation, big or small, the primacy is the national interest of Zimbabwe and in relation to these powers,” he said.
“We believe in principled pragmatism, so what this means is Zimbabwe is ready to engage as a confident, dignified partner rooted in its heritage and focused on its future and always committed to the principle of Pan Africanism and shared African destiny.
“In our interactions with any country, we are guided by our doctrine on foreign relations, so the policy is implementing the doctrine.”
