Chronicle Editor
Harare Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has called for rigorous global debate and effective strategies to deal with Covid-19 and climate change adaptation to advance collective aspirations.
Addressing Heads of State and Governments and other dignitaries during the First Africa-Caribbean Community (Caricom) summit attended virtually yesterday, he said: “With regards to the contemporary realities, we must encourage rigorous debates around responsive strategies to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change adaptation, as well as the socio-economic capabilities that can be harnessed to advance our collective aspirations.”
Several Caricom countries, including Zimbabwe, have embarked on a vaccination rollout programme to build herd immunity.
President Mnangagwa yesterday announced a cocktail of relaxed measures of the national lockdown that will see resumption of inter-city travel as part of measures that will see economic activities back on track.
In his address to the summit, President Mnangagwa noted that the inaugural summit, which is an important dialogue platform for sharing experiences, was being held at a time the world was grappling with the effects of Covid-19.
“This session comes at a time when the world is grappling with the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as various challenges brought about by climate change,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said the platform must continue to foster co-operation.
“This platform therefore entails that Africa and the Caribbean Community must continue to strengthen partnerships, co-operation and co-ordination towards developing mechanisms to rejuvenate and grow our economies,” he said.
“The need to harness our natural and human resources to create opportunities and increase self-reliance for the benefit of our people equally remains critical.
“This summit also serves as a building block to enhance mutual and comprehensive South-South relations, mooted under the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States. Through this noble initiative, we should redouble engagement efforts with global institutions for the development of inclusive models which will help accelerate the attainment of the sustainable development goals by our countries.”
Zimbabwe was committed to cooperation in the African-Caribbean Community and other forums which advance shared aspirations, said President Mnangagwa.
The summit was chaired by Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta and was attended by several Heads of States and Governments, including leaders of regional bodies such as African Union and the Caribbean community.
Sidumisile Mabena
Online Reporter