Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu, [email protected]
NEWLY accredited Ambassadors to Zimbabwe from Japan, Italy and Namibia yesterday presented their letters of credence to President Mnangagwa at State House, with all three envoys pledging to strengthen political, economic and social co-operation with Harare during their diplomatic tenures.
Japan will be represented by Ambassador Nobutaka Maekawa, Italy by Ambassador Giuseppe Giacalone, and Namibia by Ambassador David Asheelo Thomas.
Speaking to the media after a closed door meeting with President Mnangagwa, Ambassador Maekawa said he would focus on further expanding co-operation between the two countries.
“We had a very fruitful exchange about co-operation between Zimbabwe and Japan and in several fields,” he said. “Emphasis was on sectors such as agriculture, mining and human resources.”
Italian Ambassador Giacalone said his mission would prioritise strengthening bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Italy, as well as those within the broader European Union.
“It is an honour to represent the Italian Government here in Zimbabwe, a friendly country with which we have long-standing relations.
I told His Excellency President Mnangagwa that during my mandate, my first task, my first objective is to strengthen and foster bilateral relations in Italy, also inside the European Union.
“So, I will do my best to strengthen the economic and commercial relations between Italy and Zimbabwe.
The embassy is open to companies that are interested in starting and strengthening their relations with companies of my country.
We have spoken and the President has assured the full support and assistance of the Zimbabwean Government to the Embassy of Italy, to me personally, so that I can visit the country and enjoy the beauty of your country, of your region.
So, I think it was a very good and important meeting today with President Mnangagwa,” said Ambassador Giacalone.
Namibia’s Ambassador Thomas, emphasised the historic and enduring bond between the two nations, rooted in the liberation struggle.
“Namibia and Zimbabwe share strong and cordial bonds of friendship, solidarity and co-operation rooted in shared history and enduring mutual support.
The ruling sister parties of the two countries, Swapo Party and Zanu-PF, have maintained closer ties and work hand in hand since the days of the armed liberation struggle of the two countries.
“When Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980, the Government and the people of Zimbabwe continued to support the liberation struggle of the people of Namibia.”
He said economic co-operation would be a major focus throughout his tenure.
“During my tenure as ambassador of Namibia, I will prioritise and tirelessly endeavour to promote bilateral co-operation in the political, economic, trade, diplomatic sphere, but also in areas such as defence, agriculture, higher education and vocational training, health, mining and energy, road infrastructure development, tourism, as well as sports, cultural and people-to-people exchange programmes.
In prioritising economic ties, I will concentrate on trade and investment promotion so that trade and investment potential between the two countries can be fully tightened,” he said.
