Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
FOREIGN Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira has challenged Zimbabwe’s newly appointed Ambassadors-Designate to ensure that diplomatic engagements translate into tangible economic benefits and improved livelihoods for ordinary citizens.
Addressing the launch of a diplomatic training course in Harare on Monday, Prof Murwira said foreign engagement must be anchored on domestic strengths and contribute directly to national development, industrialisation, innovation and prosperity. He noted that foreign policy success is measured not merely by relations established abroad, but by how those ties advance domestic growth and Zimbabwe’s global standing.
“Prospective diplomats abroad must be anchored on domestic strength at home, while successful international engagement must generate tangible benefits that contribute to national development, industrialisation, innovation and prosperity of our people,” he said.
Prof Murwira urged the envoys to uphold the ministry’s guiding principles of integrity, dignity and prosperity in every official engagement. He explained that integrity encompasses institutional stability, territorial sovereignty, secure borders and national unity amid diversity, while dignity demands that diplomacy serves vulnerable communities rather than personal privilege.
“Our mandate is mainly with the people. I normally say that our mandate is for those without shoes,” he said, adding that effective diplomacy should improve public access to food, clean water and basic necessities.
Cautioning the Ambassadors-Designate against treating their postings as entitlements, Prof Murwira urged them to remain humble, professional and accountable. He described diplomatic service as one of the noblest national assignments, requiring patriotism, competence and an intimate grasp of Zimbabwe’s history and aspirations.
“We don’t post blank pages. We post people that are full of Zimbabwe,” he said.
The minister also called on the appointees to maintain high standards, reject mediocrity and embrace teamwork, reminding them that public office is temporary while national interests endure.
“A country is bigger; a country is spiritual. That’s why we come and we go, but the country survives,” he said.
The training programme will equip the Ambassadors-Designate with the strategic skills and diplomatic knowledge required to advance Zimbabwe’s interests and strengthen global partnerships.
