Dialogue, diplomacy key to global peace

DIALOGUE, diplomacy and multilateral cooperation remain a sustainable solution to achieving global peace and stability amid geopolitical conflicts, President Mnangagwa has said.

The President, who is also Zanu-PF First Secretary, said his administration continues to closely monitor political developments in the Middle East and has already put in place measures to safeguard the people from the adverse effects of the conflict, particularly on the energy sector.

President Mnangagwa said this yesterday while delivering a keynote address at the Zanu-PF Ordinary Politburo session that was held at the party’s head office in Harare.

“On the international front, Zimbabwe continues to closely monitor developments in the Middle East.

“Our country firmly believes that dialogue, diplomacy and multilateral cooperation remain the sustainable pathway to achieving lasting global peace, development and prosperity for all nations,” said President Mnangagwa. “Our Zanu-PF-led Government has put in place measures to de-risk our country, with regard to energy security and the supply chain of essential commodities.

“In line with our national development philosophy, Takabvumirana kuti; Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo. Savumelana ukuthi ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo,” we must, therefore, build greater self-reliance.

“Hence, domestic production and productivity will be strengthened, value addition promoted and support for local industries increased.”

The conflict between the United States and Israel on one hand and Iran on the other has disrupted energy supply value chains and pushed the price of oil and gas upwards, with ripple effects that have also affected countries like Zimbabwe.

Government has since announced mitigatory measures to contain the effects of the conflict that include a reduction of taxes on fuel and raising the ethanol blend in petrol from 5 percent to 20 percent.

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s desire to contribute to global peace is evidenced by its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

“On another note, diplomatic activities and international engagements for support of our bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, 2027-2028, are ongoing. This noble objective reflects Zimbabwe’s readiness to meaningfully contribute to global peace and security,” he said.

Turning to the economy, the President said achievements have been registered across various sectors.

“On the economic front, the Zanu-PF-led Government policies have continued to bear tangible results, particularly in the agricultural sector, where the country is now expected to record another high and successful harvest,” he said.

“In further support of the sector, the Zanu-PF Government has approved the review of licences, permits, levies and fees in key agricultural sub-sectors as part of broader business reforms aimed at promoting the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe.”

He said new measures had been put in place to ensure that mineral resources are beneficiated in line with the resolution of the party’s national people’s annual conference.

“In line with the resolutions made at last year’s National People’s Conference, Government has put in place measures to guarantee that our rich mineral resources are beneficiated and value added within our country, for maximum benefits to the economy and our people,” he said.

“Meanwhile, we continue to register steady and encouraging growth in other key sectors of the economy, such as tourism, manufacturing and the construction industry, among others. This remarkable progress is further supported by the strengthening of a highly effective, performance-based human resource management system within Government and the public sector at large.”

He said the recently signed performance-based contracts by ministers and senior Government officials will enhance accountability in the pubic service.

“The recent signing of performance-based contracts and the ongoing evaluation of senior officials are meant to enhance accountability and improve administrative efficiency. My Administration remains determined to guarantee public institutions that deliver measurable results, in line with our key national socio-economic developmental priorities,” he said.

“As a Party of the past, present and future, we will continue to harness our national strategies on technology, including Artificial Intelligence, to build productive enablers that drive rapid, sustainable development to boost economic resilience. The critical aspects outlined in the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which I recently launched, will therefore be implemented to underpin our development path.”

Government, added the President, will continue to deploy resources to ensure that ordinary people’s lives are improved.

“Under the social sector, my administration continues to deploy a multiplicity of strategies towards the universal access to quality, affordable, and comprehensive health services. We are resolute in our quest to increase robust public health institutions which have modern infrastructure, supported by domestic resource mobilisation innovation, and the local manufacturing of medicines and medical supplies,” said President Mnangagwa.

“In this spirit, I was pleased to officiate at the Ingutsheni Central Hospital Fundraising Initiative last week, where resources were mobilised to immediately revamp that critical public mental health facility. The countrywide rehabilitation of other health institutions is ongoing.”

He challenged party leadership to play their role in ensuring that the national facilities are maintained for the good of ordinary Zimbabweans.

“I call upon the leadership of the party to always interest themselves on the state of these and other facilities, which are crucial for the wellness and well-being of our people,” he said.