Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE will continue to strengthen and expand mutually beneficial partnerships that support the country’s economic growth and sustainable development, President Mnangagwa has said.
Writing on his microblogging site X, after receiving credentials from Russian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Sergei Berdnikov and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ambassador Rosemary Kalapurakal at the State House yesterday, President Mnangagwa said the country remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships that drive economic growth, investment and sustainable development.
“I received H.E. Ms Rosemary Kalapurakal, the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator to Zimbabwe,” President Mnangagwa said.
“Our discussion focused on advancing our shared goals for sustainable economic development, social progress, and achieving the SDGs in alignment with our national vision.”
President Mnangagwa said he was looking forward to deepening cooperation with Russia in various sectors of the economy, which include mining and technology, among others.
“I also accepted the credentials of H.E. Sergei Berdnikov, the Ambassador-Designate of the Russian Federation to Zimbabwe,” President Mnangagwa added.
“Russia remains a reliable and strategic ally.
“We look forward to deepening our cooperation across key sectors, including mining, agriculture, and technology transfer.
“Zimbabwe continues to open its doors to meaningful partnerships under our policy of being a friend to all and an enemy to none.”
Speaking after presenting her credentials, Ambassador Kalapurakal said her key priorities will focus on multi-sectoral approaches that address some of the key development challenges in the country, such as climate and issues affecting the youth.
“You should expect a very strong focus on inclusive and integrated sustainable development, looking at multi-sectoral approaches that address some of the key development challenges in the country, whether they range from climate resilience to opportunities for young people, unlocking SDG development financing, looking at addressing issues such as substance abuse, drugs and crime,” she said.
She also congratulated the country for attaining the 2027/28 United Nations Security Council (UNSC) non-permanent seat and said Zimbabwe should use its expertise to speak to the ideals of the United Nations Charter.
“It is a huge opportunity for a country like Zimbabwe. The world is facing so many peace and security issues, and the Security Council has an important role to play.
“Zimbabwe can bring its experience and growing stature on the regional and global stage, as well as an African voice, to speak to the ideals of the United Nations Charter and rules-based international cooperation.
“As the United Nations resident coordinator, I applaud this and will support the country in any way they require.”
Addressing the media after presenting his credentials, Ambassador Berdnikov said priority would be to sustain the strong political relations between the two countries while expanding economic cooperation across key sectors.
He also said mining, energy, electrification, agriculture and agricultural mechanisation are areas with significant potential for collaboration.
“Priority will be maintaining our excellent political dialogue and rightfully mentioned by the President, to develop our economic cooperation in various spheres.
“Areas of collaboration include minerals extraction, electrification, energy production, agricultural machinery and technology.”
