Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S ambassadors-designate have been tasked with upholding national interest and advancing foreign policy objectives as they prepare to take up postings in their respective host countries.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira issued the charge in Harare on Monday at the launch of a diplomatic training programme designed to familiarise the incoming envoys with Government’s foreign policy direction and equip them to promote trade, investment, technology transfer and strategic partnerships.
Outlining the significance of their appointments by President Mnangagwa, Prof Murwira noted that ambassadors represent the entire Government and hold constitutional authority to commit the nation abroad.
“I first of all congratulate you for the trust that President Dr Mnangagwa has placed in you through his constitutional mandate to appoint you as ambassadors to represent Zimbabwe abroad,” he said.
“One of the first important things that I want to say is that an ambassador is Government in total. When you are outside, while we say extraordinary and plenipotentiary, you can commit; you have constitutional power to commit our nation.
“But before a person commits our nation, we have to know that that person is acting in accordance with our standards. His Excellency used the words, ‘It’s not child’s play.’ When you are outside, that is why you are addressed as Your Excellency. You represent the President, you represent the Foreign Minister, you represent the Minister of Home Affairs and every other minister,” he said.
Prof Murwira stressed that the envoys’ mandate is firmly anchored in the Constitution, charging them with safeguarding national sovereignty, protecting citizens and projecting Zimbabwe’s voice globally.
“Under Section 204 of the Constitution, you are not merely diplomats, but sovereign and plenipotentiary representatives of our nation, charged with advancing Zimbabwe’s interests, protecting its citizens and projecting the voice of Zimbabwe in the world,” he said.
Comparing the Foreign Service to Zimbabwe’s security institutions, the minister emphasised that diplomatic work demands strict discipline, order and adherence to established procedures.
“The only difference between the Foreign Service and the police service or the Zimbabwe Defence Forces is the fact that here we do not use guns. But the process is the same. We are a disciplined system,” he said.
Prof Murwira also urged the appointees to exercise emotional restraint and rely strictly on constitutional principles during international engagements.
“If you see that you are angry, do not talk, because what you say is going to be taken seriously. There is no time for your emotions. There is only time for your reasons, and those reasons are given in the Constitution.
“No banging of tables wherever you go. There is no need to be angry. But there is need always to use reason, which is based on the Constitution of your country. You represent the dignity of everyone,” the minister said.
