Re-engagement drive pays off

Wallace Ruzvidzo
Sunday Mail Correspondent

Zimbabwe’s invitation, for the first time, to the United States-Africa Leaders Summit in December is evidence of the efficacy of Government’s re-engagement drive and will provide yet another platform for the country to lobby for the removal of illegal sanctions.

The summit is scheduled for Washington DC between December 13 and 15.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Frederick Shava will represent the country at the meeting.

In an interview, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mr Livit Mugejo said: “We are taking our engagement and re-engagement efforts to the summit and we will also be pursing the sanctions issue.

“We will be following the agenda of the summit.”

Public Diplomacy Section at the US Embassy told The Sunday Mail that the invitation was testament to the gradually normalising relations between Harare and Washington.

“The United States values its bilateral relations with Zimbabwe, and the summit demonstrates our enduring commitment to Africa,” said the embassy in written responses.

“The summit will underscore the importance of US-Africa relations and increased cooperation on shared global priorities: committing to democracy and human rights; strengthening global health security, including mitigating the impacts of Covid-19 and future pandemics; promoting food security; advancing peace and security; and responding to climate change.”

The summit, said the embassy, presents an opportunity for the two countries to continue mending relations.

“President Biden’s administration has prioritised renewing and strengthening democracy at home and abroad.

“We recognise that our democracies face common challenges, which we need to tackle together, as equals, alongside other governments, civil society, and citizens.”

President Mnangagwa was in New York last week, attending the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where African leaders attending the meeting rallied behind Zimbabwe, calling on the US to remove illegal sanctions imposed on the country.