Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu-Senior Reporter
NEWLY accredited Ambassadors to Zimbabwe from Japan, Italy and Namibia yesterday presented their letters of credence to President Mnangagwa at State House, with the three pledging to continue scaling up political, economic and social relations with Harare during their diplomatic tenures.
Japan will be represented by Ambassador Nobutaka Maekawa, Italy by Ambassador Giuseppe Giacalone and Namibia by Ambassador David Asheelo Thomas.
Speaking to the media after his closed meeting with President Mnangagwa, Ambassador Maekawa said during his diplomatic mission, he will continue working towards increasing economic and social relations between Zimbabwe and Japan.
“We had a very fruitful exchange about cooperation between Zimbabwe and Japan and in several fields,” he said. “Emphasis was on sectors such as agriculture, mining and human resources.”
Ambassador Giacalone said he will work to increase bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Italy as well as the latter using its position within the European Union to strengthen those ties.
“It is an honour to represent the Italian government here in Zimbabwe, a friendly country with which we have long-standing relations,” he said.
President Mnangagwa poses for a photograph with incoming Namibian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr David Asheelo Thomas after receiving his credentials at State House in Harare yesterday. Also present is Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Mangaliso Ndlovu (left).
“ I told His Excellency President Mnangagwa that during my mandate, my first task, my first objective is to strengthen and foster bilateral relations in Italy, also inside the European Union. So I will do my best to strengthen the economic and commercial relations between Italy and Zimbabwe.
“The embassy is open to companies that are interested in starting and strengthening their relations with companies from my country. We have spoken and the President has assured the full support and assistance of the Zimbabwean Government to the Embassy of Italy, to me personally, so that I can visit the country and enjoy the beauty of your country, of your region. So I think it was a very good and important meeting today with President Mnangagwa.”
On his part, Ambassador Thomas said during his diplomatic tenure, he will maintain the “strong and cordial” relationship shared by Zimbabwe and Namibia, which dates back to the liberation struggle.
“Namibia and Zimbabwe share strong and cordial bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation rooted in shared history and enduring mutual support,” he said. “The ruling sister parties of the two countries, Swapo and ZANU PF, have maintained closer ties and work hand in hand since the days of the armed liberation struggle of the two countries.
The President receives letters of credence from incoming Italian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Giuseppe Giacalone at State House in Harare yesterday.
“When Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980, the Government and the people of Zimbabwe continued to support the liberation struggle of the people of Namibia.”
Ambassador Thomas said during his tenure, he will also prioritise economic ties, especially in areas such as road infrastructure development, tourism and trade.
“During my tenure as Ambassador of Namibia, I will prioritise and tirelessly endeavour to promote bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, trade, diplomatic sphere, but also in areas such as defence, agriculture, higher education and vocational training, health, mining and energy, road infrastructure development, tourism, as well as sports, cultural and people-to-people exchange programmes,” he added.
“In prioritising economic ties, I will concentrate on trade and investment promotion so that the trade and investment potential between the two countries can be fully tightened.”
