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Mukudzei Chingwere Herald Reporter
THE Government yesterday thanked diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe for facilitating engagements with their respective countries enabling President Mnangagwa to push his quest of being a “friend to all and an enemy to none.”
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Frederick Shava met the envoys in Harare where he expressed the Government’s gratitude as well as giving highlights of international engagements.
“It may be recalled that at our first meeting in April 2021, I highlighted that the Ministry’s strategies would include, but would not be limited, to increasing Zimbabwe’s global visibility, building strong alliances at both bilateral and multilateral levels,” said Minister Shava.
“I wish to extend my gratitude to the Excellencies who facilitated the above visits. Such engagements are without doubt a step towards fulfilling Zimbabwe’s quest of being a friend to all and an enemy to none.”
Minister Shava said the COP26 summit in Scotland gave President Mnangagwa the opportunity to meet with political leaders at a bilateral level, and some leaders of the business community.
“His Excellency the President had brief discussions, with the US President, Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister, Mr Justin Trudeau, the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and the Prime Minister of Palestine, Mohammad Shtayyeh, among other leaders.”
He said these side meetings revealed the international community’s readiness to cooperate with Zimbabwe in various areas.
“His Excellency the President underscored Zimbabwe’s readiness to cooperate with the international community in addressing the impact of climate change.
“He also called on developed countries and major emitters to honour their commitments vis-à-vis availing finance for climate action and reducing emissions,” said Minister Shava.
Minister Shava also said Zimbabwe endorsed the declaration on forests and land use where more than 128 members pledged to end or reduce deforestation by 2030.
The declaration is backed by US$19,2 billion in national and private funds to support forest protection efforts.
“Furthermore, the Summit provided a platform for His Excellency the President to call for the removal of sanctions that were imposed on Zimbabwe. These sanctions are stalling our efforts to effectively fight the Covid-19 pandemic and to mitigate the impact of climate change.
“In pursuit of Zimbabwe’s interest to re-join the Commonwealth, His Excellency the President met Baronness Scotland, Secretary General of the Commonwealth to exchange views on the progress registered to date.”
Minister Shava said President Mnangagwa also met the British Minister of State for Africa, Ms Vicky Ford, Mr. Charles Michel, President of the European Council and discussed issues of bilateral interest.
He said the President indicated some areas where Zimbabwe needed assistance like, the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe, support to climate proof agriculture, funding the census exercise in preparation for the 2023 elections.
Minister Shava met the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Ms Jutta Urpilainen, the Secretary General of the Organisation for African, Caribbean and Pacific States, Dr Georges Chikoti, the Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, Dr Qu Dongyu.
He also participated in the third Italy-Africa Ministerial Conference in Rome where he held bilateral discussions with his Italian counterpart, Luigi Di Miao.
“I also partook in the commemorative meeting of the 60th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade, Serbia.
“The meeting presented opportunities for me to hold bilateral meetings with a number of other Foreign Ministers including the host Foreign Minister Honourable Nikola Selakovic.”
Online Reporter