Debra Matabvu
Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa this morning received credentials from Ambassadors-designate of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Portugal and Canada, with the diplomats expressing their countries’ commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Zimbabwe through increased trade, investment and people-to-people relations.
The Ambassadors identified opportunities for cooperation in sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, clean technology and enterprise financing, while highlighting the importance of strengthening diplomatic relations amid changing global economic and political dynamics.
The presentation of credentials comes as Zimbabwe prepares to take up a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, a development expected to create further opportunities for diplomatic engagement and cooperation.
Portugal’s Ambassador-designate, Mr Rui Monteiro, said his return to Zimbabwe, having previously spent two years in the country, will allow him to build on existing relations and strengthen commercial and cultural ties.
“It’s the second time I’m here. I already spent two years. There has been an upgrade of our relations, and that has been our priority,” he said.
The Ambassador said his appointment had expanded his contacts with companies interested in exploring opportunities in Zimbabwe, while discussions are also underway to promote the Portuguese language through cooperation between institutions in the two countries.
Canada’s Ambassador-designate, Mr Jeffery Senior, said his discussions with President Mnangagwa had focused on expanding economic cooperation, particularly trade and investment, citing opportunities arising from Zimbabwe’s natural resources and Canada’s expertise in sustainable energy, clean technology and agriculture.
He congratulated Zimbabwe on what he described as the economic stability and growth the country is experiencing, saying these developments, together with the Government’s ease-of-doing-business agenda, could help attract further investment.
The United Kingdom’s Ambassador-designate, Mrs Gillian Joana Lever, said London remains committed to building a modern and respectful partnership with Harare, with trade and investment, opportunities for women and girls, and stronger people-to-people links among his priorities.
“The President and I discussed bilateral relationships. We talked about the modern respectful partnership we have between the UK and Zimbabwe,” she said.
The Ambassador said Britain is pursuing initiatives aimed at supporting Zimbabwean farmers and entrepreneurs, alongside investments to help address the country’s energy needs.
She cited a US$50 million financing deal announced last month through British International Investment to support farmers and entrepreneurs.
