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Wallace Ruzvidzo, Herald Reporter
THE diplomatic training programme at the Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute is important as it familiarises those in diplomatic service with the country’s economic blueprint, the National Development Strategy 1 and foreign policy, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Permanent Secretary Albert Chimbindi has said.
In a speech read on his behalf by Acting Permanent Secretary Ms Rudo Faranisi at the closing ceremony of the diplomatic training programme yesterday, Ambassador Chimbindi, said the programme buttressed the country’s bilateral and multilateral relations with the international community.
“This diplomatic training programme is of paramount importance as it serves as a refresher course on the key tenets of Zimbabwe’s economic blueprint, the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1),” he said.
“It is my sincere hope that you had a full grasp of the key concepts and common practices in diplomacy, as you will all be expected to play a critical role in the implementation of Zimbabwe’s foreign policy on reaffirmation, engagement and re-engagement, with economic diplomacy at its core.
“The ministry and all our missions play a vanguard role in strengthening our bilateral relations and multilateral co-operation with the international community. Following your successful completion of this training, you will be expected to make active contributions in this regard.”
Graduates of the diplomatic training programme follow proceedings during the opening occassion of the second graduation of the diplomatic training at the Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute in Harare yesterday-Picture:Joshua Muswere
Ambassador Chimbindi said the group of 26 officers who completed the course yesterday should always remember that Zimbabwe was a “friend to all and an enemy to none” as they carried out their roles.
“I believe the knowledge and experience you acquired during the course of this diplomatic training programme will go a long way in your career progression and advancement, as you assume more senior roles in your departments.
“It is my firm belief that all of you have found this course inspiring and empowering. While some of you will get the opportunity to proceed on diplomatic posting in the near future, others will continue to serve at head office in various capacities and departments, while awaiting their turn.
“I am highly confident that you will excel in any department or mission that you will be redeployed to. Knowledge gained is never wasted and can never be taken away from you,” he said.
The Institute’s director general, Dr Machivenyika Tobias Mapuranga, said the purpose of the programme was to produce the ideal Zimbabwean diplomat whose profile would reflect the relevant provisions of the country’s Constitution, the institute’s charter and the NDS1.
“We hope that such a diplomat will go out there to serve Zimbabwe armed with the ministry’s vision, mission and above all, its core values which are loyalty, dedication to duty, patriotism, allegiance to the republic, professionalism, high levels of efficiency, effectiveness and confidentiality, accountability and integrity. Such a diplomat would be a multi-skilled diplomat. They would be multi-skilled to perform the functions of political and economic diplomacy, promoting the country’s foreign policy, tourism, trade, finance and investment,” he said.
The Chief Director of Economic Cooperation, Mrs Rudo Faranisi (right) hands over a certificate to a recent graduate Tarisai Murakwani at the Diplomatic training programme graduation held at the Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute premises in the capital this week-Picture:Joshua Muswere
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