Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino-Zimpapers Politics Hub
RUSSIA looks forward to working closely with Zimbabwe in the United Nations Security Council to continue strengthening Africa’s position as a unique and influential centre of global development, the Chargé d’Affaires at the country’s embassy in Harare, Mr Maksim Khaneev, said yesterday.
Addressing delegates at the Russia National Day commemorations, Mr Khaneev congratulated Zimbabwe on its election as a UNSC non-permanent member.
“We congratulate Zimbabwe for securing a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council in 2027-2028,” he said.
“Russia looks forward to working closely to continue strengthening Africa’s position as a unique and influential centre of global development.
“The ties between Russia and Zimbabwe are built on mutual respect, solidarity and shared values. This friendship is not only diplomatic but deeply human, forged through shared struggles, mutual support and a vision of a brighter future,” Mr Khaneev said.
Zimbabwe and Russia this year marked 45 years of bilateral relations. Mr Khaneev said Russia has consistently advocated for deepening its traditionally friendly ties with Africa, Zimbabwean partners in particular.
He said Russia is looking forward to deepening and fostering cooperation with Zimbabwe at this year’s Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow in October.
“This year, the Third Russia-Africa Summit will take place in Moscow in October, and we expect Zimbabwe to be represented at the highest level. Through our joint efforts, we will continue to broaden the scope of Russia-Africa and Russia-Zimbabwe relations, advancing the well-being of our peoples and contributing to the emergence of a just and democratic multipolar world order,” he added.
Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Mr Nesbert Samasuwo, praised Zimbabwe-Russia relations for building a formidable coalition of like-minded states committed to defending the United Nations Charter.
He expressed Zimbabwe’s deep thankfulness for Russia’s principled and consistent support, including its historic veto in the United Nations Security Council in 2008, which upheld the two nations’ shared opposition to the subversion of the institutions and principles of the United Nations for the selfish interests of a few.
“Together, our nations stand firm in defence of the Charter of the United Nations and the sovereign equality of all states. In the face of growing attempts to erode the foundations of multilateralism and international law, we have built a formidable coalition of like-minded states, committed to justice, fairness and peace.
“We are deeply grateful for Russia’s principled and consistent support, including its historic veto in the United Nations Security Council in 2008, which upheld our shared opposition to the subversion of the institutions and principles of the United Nations to serve the selfish interests of a few. That act of solidarity will never be forgotten,” Mr Samasuwo said.
Mr Samasuwo also thanked Russia and all nations that voted for Zimbabwe for the UNSC non-permanent seat for the period 2027 to 2028, saying the country will leverage its history of diplomatic engagement, regional leadership and multilateral cooperation to bring a principled and inclusive approach to the UNSC’s deliberations.
