Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE has received strong diplomatic support from Central and Eastern European countries for its bid for a non‑permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term.
This comes as the nations also agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation through structured partnership frameworks.
The endorsements are seen as a significant boost to the country’s ongoing re‑engagement efforts under the Second Republic’s “friend to all and enemy to none” foreign policy stance.
Skills Audit and Development Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere, who chaired Tuesday’s post‑Cabinet media briefing, said Cabinet received and noted a report on a recent high‑level diplomatic mission undertaken by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, who was President Mnangagwa’s Special Envoy.
Prof Murwira visited Albania, Montenegro, Romania, the Republic of Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina from April 29 to May 8.
He said the outreach was aimed at strengthening Zimbabwe’s diplomatic engagement and securing support ahead of the UNSC elections scheduled for June 3.
“The purpose of the outreach was to fulfil the foreign policy pillar of promoting a peaceful and secure international environment for Zimbabwe’s development through canvassing for support for Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non‑permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2027–2028, at elections to be held on June 3, 2026.
“All the countries visited affirmed their full support for Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non‑permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
“The countries visited agreed to strengthen bilateral relations through the establishment of structured frameworks of cooperation in the form of Joint Permanent Cooperation Commissions.”
Dr Muswere added that the engagements also opened avenues for enhanced trade and economic cooperation, including the country’s participation in Serbia Expo 27 and other regional trade fairs, as well as participation by the visiting countries in the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and Mine Entra.
Zimbabwe, which is Africa’s sole candidate for the seat, has now secured backing from more than 130 countries, including all 54 African Union member States, placing it in a strong position ahead of the vote. The UNSC non‑permanent members are elected by the 193‑member United Nations General Assembly through a secret ballot, with candidates required to secure a two‑thirds majority of at least 128 votes, even if unopposed.
Zimbabwe has also recently received additional support from several Caribbean and Pacific countries, including St Lucia, Jamaica, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, the Dominican Republic and Barbados.
