Engage Zim through Sadc, DPM Mutambara tells EU

are to be credible, Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara has said.

Speaking during a meeting with outgoing Sweden ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Anders Liden in Harare yesterday, DPM Mutambara said dialogue to mend relationships between the EU and Zimbabwe should be done through Sadc and the AU.
“When the EU and America want to engage us meaningfully they have to take into account Sadc and the AU’s position on Zimbabwe,” he said.

“Future engagements should be done through African institutions for views to have impact.
“There are no other institutions that have better understanding of Zimbabwe than African institutions and Zimbabweans themselves.”

DPM Mutambara said the illegal economic sanctions the European bloc imposed on Zimbabwe should be removed.
“Sanctions have destroyed our economy. They are not benefiting ordinary people but instead people have become victims.
“It is our hope that the dialogue that commenced soon will result in the embargo disappearing,” he said.

He said it was high time relations between Zimbabwe and Sweden move from being political to commercial diplomacy.
“We are sick and tired of this political diplomacy. It’s high time we shift to commercial diplomacy where investors should come to this country for business.
“We no longer want charity but more trade and investment for the benefit of both countries,” he said.

Dr Liden promised to encourage Swedish companies to invest in Zimbabwe.
“There are investment opportunities in Zimbabwe and though it is for the companies to choose what they want to do, I am going to encourage our companies to come here,” he said.
He leaves the country on July 6. Dr Liden was, however, evasive when asked about sanctions.

“All I can say is, we are working on improving relations.
“The first step has been done by the visit made by your re-engagement team recently to Brussels and we hope a solution will come soon,” he said.
He described Zimbabwe as a “peace-loving” country adding that he had enjoyed the two years he served in the country.
“I had a wonderful two years and have found out the country is a peaceful one.

“The people have been good and I hope that Zimbabwe will continue fighting to be a better country,” he said.
Sweden is among the countries that imposed illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe after the country embarked on the land reform programme.