Online Reporter
Africa Moyo
Deputy National Editor
PALESTINIAN President Mahmoud Abbas has congratulated President Mnangagwa, the Government and people of Zimbabwe following the country’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027-2028 term.
In a message addressed to President Mnangagwa, seen by The Herald, President Abbas described Zimbabwe’s election as a significant international achievement that reflects the country’s growing influence in global affairs and the confidence it enjoys among the international community.
“It is our great pleasure to express to Your Excellency and through you, to your esteemed Government and friendly people, our warmest heartfelt congratulations for the election of the Republic of Zimbabwe as a member of the United Nations Security Council during the period from 2027-2028, which confirms the international status that your country has achieved, and the high level of trust and appreciation to your country’s active contributions that you foster through the multilateral diplomacy, within the framework of the international law,” said President Abbas.
“We are confident that you will achieve success and the desired goals from this prestigious position.”
Zimbabwe was elected to the powerful 15-member Security Council on June 3 after securing an overwhelming 182 votes out of 191 votes cast during elections held at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The country was the African Union-endorsed candidate for the African seat and surpassed the required two-thirds majority by a wide margin. Zimbabwe will serve the term beginning on January 1, 2027.
It will be the country’s third stint on the Security Council, having previously served in 1983-84 and 1991-92. President Abbas said Palestine was proud of the longstanding relations it shares with Zimbabwe and took the opportunity to reaffirm the bonds of friendship, solidarity and mutual respect that exist between the two nations.
“We seize this opportunity and this historic achievement, to renew our pride in the bilateral relations of solidarity and respect, which was confirmed by the stand of the State of Palestine in supporting the election of your country to this position, through the Palestinian mission to the UN, from the Republic of Zimbabwe under your wise leadership in the international forums,” said President Abbas.
President Abbas then conveyed his best wishes to President Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe in all their endeavours going forward.
The congratulatory message adds to a growing list of endorsements from regional and international leaders following Zimbabwe’s election to the Security Council, a development widely viewed as a major diplomatic milestone for the country.
In his remarks during the signing ceremony of four agreements last Friday in Harare following a two-day State visit by Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President Mnangagwa said Harare will keep working with “like-minded” countries to drive an inclusive world.
“Zimbabwe stands ready to work closely with Equatorial Guinea and other like-minded partners in advancing a more equitable, inclusive and representative global governance architecture, one that reflects the realities and respects the aspirations of our beloved continent of Africa.
“I am confident that the goodwill that exists between our governments and peoples, will continue to provide the necessary foundation for cross-cutting partnerships and synergies for the prosperity of our two countries,” said President Mnangagwa.
The Security Council is the United Nations’ principal organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
As a non-permanent member, Zimbabwe will participate in deliberations and decision-making on key global peace and security issues while also advancing Africa’s interests and priorities on the international stage.
