Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, yesterday held back-to-back diplomatic meetings with the Ambassadors of Palestine and South Korea, reflecting Zimbabwe’s growing engagement on international issues and strategic cooperation.
During her meeting with the Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Tamer Almassri, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri expressed Zimbabwe’s deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, referring to the conflict as genocide and a gross violation of human rights.
“You know what is happening in Gaza, the genocide that is taking place in that beautiful country,” she said.
“We shared important insights, given our common history of liberation struggles.
“Zimbabwe remains committed to the full independence of Palestine”.
She said Zimbabwe had a longstanding solidarity with the Palestinian people and humanitarian assistance had already been extended through the United Nations.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said Zimbabwe was aligned with SADC’s position on Palestine and reiterated that the region remained united in calling for peace and justice.
Ambassador Almassri praised Zimbabwe’s support and drew parallels between the struggles of both nations.
“This is month 19 of a genocidal war against our people in Gaza. Every day brings new victims. Zimbabwe’s solidarity has been clear and we are grateful,” he said.
Ambassador Almassri condemned economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and Palestine and described them as forms of collective punishment.
“We agreed that these sanctions must be removed today, not tomorrow,” he said.
The ambassador also acknowledged President Mnangagwa’s leadership and Zimbabwe’s strong voice during the SADC Summit where the region took a firm stance in support of Palestinian self-determination.
In her meeting with South Korea’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Park JaeKyung, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri discussed a wide range of issues including cybersecurity, education and landmine clearance.
She said while Zimbabwe was still using basic methods for mine detection, South Korea has adopted drone technology, presenting an opportunity for technological collaboration.
“We are particularly interested in learning from Korea’s advanced mine action technologies,” the Minister said.
The discussion also included avenues for economic cooperation in areas such as the pharmaceutical and mining sectors, and plans for high-level exchanges between the two nations.
“This was a productive discussion. We covered a wide range of areas from cultural exchange to parliamentary visits,” said Ambassador Park.
“We are keen to follow up on today’s conversations with concrete steps forward.”
Throughout the engagements, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri took the opportunity to address the ongoing impact of Western sanctions on Zimbabwe, especially on the defence sector.
“We are told sanctions are lifted, yet we still can’t get spare parts from Britain. So what does that mean?” she said.
“These are real constraints. But under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, we are pushing forward. Sanctions or no sanctions, Zimbabwe is open for business.”
The meetings signalled Zimbabwe’s continued efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties and pursue innovative partnerships amid global and regional challenges.
With both humanitarian solidarity and technological advancement on the table, the engagements marked a significant step in Zimbabwe’s broader foreign policy strategy.
