Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
Montenegro has become the latest country to throw its weight behind Zimbabwe’s bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2027-2028 following a meeting between Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira and the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Filip Ivanović in Podgorica on Tuesday.
The two also discussed ways to deepen ties in various economic sectors.
Prof Murwira is on a tour of eastern Europe to drum up support for the country’s UNSC bid and visited Albania on a similar mission last week.
“On the international stage, Prof Murwira confirmed that Montenegro has pledged support for Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. He also appealed for Montenegro to lobby its regional allies in support of Zimbabwe’s candidacy,” read part of a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade on Tuesday.
“During the visit, Prof Murwira formally presented letters from President Mnangagwa to Montenegro’s leadership, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s diplomatic outreach and commitment to multilateral engagement.
The ministry added that the visit marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Montenegro, which formally established diplomatic ties in 2010.
Prof Murwira highlighted a broad range of cooperation areas discussed, which include diplomacy, trade, mining, tourism, agriculture, and energy.
“We are working towards establishing diplomatic representation in each other’s territories,” said Prof Murwira, noting that both countries will initially adopt non-resident diplomatic missions before transitioning to permanent representation.
“Tourism emerged as a key pillar of cooperation, with Montenegro recognised for its strong global tourism sector,” read the report.
“The Minister revealed that recent exchanges between tourism officials from both nations would culminate in Zimbabwe’s participation at a major tourism gathering in Montenegro later this year.
“Zimbabwe is expected to send its Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry (Barbra Rwodzi) to the event.
“Agriculture and trade were also central to discussions, with Zimbabwe positioning itself as a potential exporter of horticultural and citrus products. Prof Murwira emphasised opportunities for collaboration in value addition and mineral beneficiation, sectors critical to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.”
Cooperation in the energy sector also came up for discussion particularly in hydroelectric and clean energy technologies, where Montenegro has established expertise.
Zimbabwe expressed keen interest in partnering in this sector to enhance its sustainable energy capacity, the Ministry added in the statement.
Reflecting on historical ties, Prof Murwira acknowledged Montenegro’s connection to the former Yugoslavia, which supported Zimbabwe during her liberation struggle, an association he described as deeply appreciated.
Prof Murwira underscored Zimbabwe’s foreign policy doctrine of “friend to all, enemy to none,”emphasising diplomacy, mutual respect, and equality among nations.
“There are no small or big states, only equal members of the United Nations,” he said, reiterating Zimbabwe’s commitment to peaceful international relations and adherence to international law.
As Zimbabwe intensifies its diplomatic campaign, Prof Murwira said the country remains “humbled” by the growing international support for its UN Security Council bid and he affirmed that Zimbabwe would continue to act as a “bridge builder” in global affairs, advocating for equality, inclusivity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
“Our belief is simple,” he said. “Humanity thrives when it builds bridges, when all voices are heard, and when all nations regardless of size are treated as equals.”
