Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
NEWLY accredited Ambassadors from the Kingdom of Lesotho, Panama and Qatar yesterday presented their letters of credence to President Mnangagwa at State House in Harare, with all three diplomats pledging to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen economic relations with Zimbabwe.
The diplomats are Ntsime Victor Jafeta of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Rodrigo Guillermo Chiari Alvarez of Panama and Mubarak Bin Nasser Mubarak Al-Khalifa of Qatar.
The presentation of credentials marks the formal commencement of their diplomatic missions in Zimbabwe and comes at a time when the Second Republic continues to pursue its engagement and re-engagement policy aimed at strengthening international cooperation, trade and investment partnerships.
Speaking to journalists after separate closed-door meetings with President Mnangagwa, the diplomats described their discussions with the Head of State and Government as cordial and productive.
Amb Jafeta said Lesotho was keen to consolidate the long-standing relations existing between Harare and Maseru by expanding cooperation into economic sectors.
“We actually reiterated the warm and cordial relations that exist between our two sister countries. One of the things that I pledged in my discussions with the President is that during my tenure as the Ambassador of Lesotho to Zimbabwe, I will make sure that the already existing warm and cordial relations are promoted towards economic cooperation,” he said.
Amb Jafeta said discussions also focused on plans to establish a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), which would provide a framework for implementing bilateral programmes between the two countries.
“We also discussed the issue of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation between the two countries, which is going to work as a legal framework on which the programmes of cooperation will be identified,” he said.
Panama’s Ambassador Alvarez said his country was opening a new diplomatic chapter with Zimbabwe and was eager to explore opportunities in trade, agriculture and food security.
“We will make sure that trade missions are seen in Harare and other parts of your country to seek opportunities to develop relations in trade,” he said.
Amb Alvarez said his meeting with President Mnangagwa provided an opportunity to exchange views on development and cooperation between developing nations.
“We are both third-world countries and we believe in people’s empowerment,” he said.
Qatar’s Ambassador Al-Khalifa also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Zimbabwe and enhancing cooperation across various sectors.
“I’m here to support and to contribute to the good relationship between the two countries,” he said.
