Chronicle Editor
Taboka Tshuma, Sunday News Reporter
PARLIAMENTARIANS play a vital role in shaping the country’s international relations hence the need for them to enhance their diplomatic skills.
This emerged during a three-day training workshop organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, in partnership with the Parliament of Zimbabwe, aimed at equipping MPs with essential knowledge and skills to effectively represent Zimbabwe on the global stage.
Speaking at the event in Bulawayo yesterday, the president of the Senate, Mabel Chinomona emphasised that MPs play an important role in international relations.
“We also believe that diplomacy and dialogue are the most effective tools for addressing global challenges and building a more peaceful and prosperous world. As Members of Parliament, we must embody this commitment to dialogue, protection of our sovereignty and promotion of economic self-determination in all our international engagements,” she said.
“I wish to emphasise the importance for us to be exemplary in all our dealings, particularly when we represent the country on the international stage. We are entrusted with the responsibility of representing the people of Zimbabwe, and this is a responsibility that we must take seriously.”
She said MPs’ actions, both at home and abroad, should inspire confidence and respect, while they must avoid any behaviour that could diminish the importance of the offices they hold or bring the country into disrepute.
Cde Chinomona said it was the MPs’ duty to ensure that the country’s foreign policy remained aligned with the constitutional principles as Zimbabwe engages with the world.
She added: “President Mnangagwa has also on countless occasions highlighted that, ‘Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none,’ and thereby reaffirming our commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable path for fostering partnerships and resolving conflicts.”
Cde Chinomona said in his acceptance speech upon assuming the Chairmanship of SADC, President Mnangagwa underscored the need to unite under the banner of SADC, which was critical for international relations.
Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute director-general, Ambassador Dr Muchivenyika Mapuranga said it was critical to set up Zimbabwe’s own diplomatic missions abroad.
“A most significant role for the institute is to assist the parent Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade through training of human capital for the ministry’s contribution to the National Development Strategy 1 and 2.
“The curriculum of the institute is designed to produce training programmes to churn out diplomatic agents that will be expected to make a discernible contribution to the attainment of the parent ministry’s vision for the country, namely, a peaceful, prosperous and effective participant in the community of nations by 2030,” he said.
He said the institute was expected to play a role in the production of human capital, in the form of multi-skilled diplomatic agents, for the ministry to realise its stated mission.
Amb Dr Mapuranga said this would promote the political and socio-economic interests, image and influence of Zimbabwe in the international community as well as protect the interest and safety of Zimbabwean nationals abroad.
The training initiatives will be conducted regularly to ensure MPs are equipped to navigate the complexities of international relations as a positive step towards enhancing Zimbabwe’s global presence and fostering meaningful partnerships with other nations.
The workshop underscored Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening international relations and promoting national interests through effective diplomacy.
It covered critical topics including international protocol and etiquette, effective communication and negotiation, cultural awareness and sensitivity, Zimbabwe’s foreign policy objectives and strategic priorities, and regional and international co-operation frameworks among others.
Delegates engaged in interactive sessions, question and answer exercises to practice their diplomatic skills.
Online Reporter