Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira has described the appointment of Dr Obert Sibanda as Honorary Consul of Latvia to the Republic of Zimbabwe as a “positive and strategic step toward advancing bilateral ties, enhancing cooperation, and deepening engagement across sectors of mutual interest”.
On Wednesday evening, Prof Murwira received a courtesy call from Dr Sibanda and noted that Zimbabwe’s foreign policy under the Second Republic remains firmly anchored in the principles of sovereignty, mutual respect and non-interference.
Dr Sibanda is a renowned businessman in the Matabeleland region.
In an update, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said Prof Murwira welcomed the engagement as a significant step in consolidating relations between Harare and Latvia.
“He welcomed Dr Sibanda and congratulated him on his appointment, expressing Zimbabwe’s appreciation for the Government of Latvia’s confidence in him and noting that this trust reflects the strong and growing relations between Zimbabwe and Latvia,” said the Ministry.
Prof Murwira described the appointment as a “positive and strategic step toward advancing bilateral ties, enhancing cooperation, and deepening engagement across sectors of mutual interest”.
“During the meeting, Prof Murwira reaffirmed that Zimbabwe’s foreign policy under the Second Republic remains firmly anchored in the principles of sovereignty, mutual respect, and non-interference.
“He emphasised the country’s enduring doctrine of being a “Friend to All and Enemy to None,” which guides Zimbabwe’s engagement with the international community.
“He noted that this approach underscores the country’s commitment to constructive dialogue, peaceful cooperation, and partnerships based on equality and shared interests.”
The reaffirmation comes as Zimbabwe continues to pursue a pragmatic and inclusive foreign policy framework aimed at broadening its international footprint while safeguarding national interests.
Prof Murwira further noted economic diplomacy as the central pillar of Zimbabwe’s international engagement.
“He further highlighted economic diplomacy as the central pillar of Zimbabwe’s international engagement, noting that it seeks to foster partnerships that promote trade, investment, technology transfer, and sustainable development.”
He stressed that Zimbabwe engages with all nations on the basis of mutual benefit, ensuring that cooperation delivers tangible value to the peoples of both countries.
The courtesy call provided an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Zimbabwe and Latvia.
The Ministry said Prof Murwira expressed optimism that Dr Sibanda’s tenure as Honorary Consul will catalyse expanded collaboration, stronger people-to-people relations and new avenues of cooperation in areas of shared priority.
