Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
TüRKIYE has announced that it will support Zimbabwe’s candidature for non-permanent representation in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028.
The Eurasian country joins a growing list of nations that have endorsed Harare’s bid, with elections slated for June next year.
Zimbabwe has already secured the backing of 134 countries in its campaign, comfortably surpassing the minimum threshold of 128 votes required to clinch the post.
Speaking at Türkiye’s 102nd republic anniversary in Harare, Turkish Ambassador to Zimbabwe Berna Kasnakli Versteden said Harare and Ankara shared similar foreign policy goals hence the UNSC bid endorsement.
“We have similar foreign policy goals like Zimbabwe’s: We emphasize the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts, the strengthening of mutual trust and the importance of regional ownership.
“We both strongly support multilateral cooperation. In this regard, I wish Zimbabwe all the best in its campaign for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
“I am glad to announce you will have Türkiye’s support,” she said.
The Turkish envoy said relations between Zimbabwe and Türkiye continued on an upward trajectory as evidenced by cooperation in various areas.
Although she could not immediately divulge the figures, the Ambassador said trade volumes had also increased.
“This is underlined by the growing number of official visits from various Ministries and Agencies.
“On economy and trade Turkish investors are exploring opportunities in Zimbabwe’s energy, construction, infrastructure and technology sectors.
“Many Zimbabwean entrepreneurs visited Türkiye, attended fairs and international conferences.
“There is not a week I do not receive visiting Turkish business people or information inquires,” said Amb Versteden.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has continued supporting Zimbabwe’s sustainable development priorities, with Diyanet Foundation embarking on food distribution projects to more than 35 000 households.
New Zimbabwean students have also enrolled in Turkish universities under Türkiye Scholarships.
“I am pleased that our people to people contacts are also on the rise for health, sports or faith tourism,” she said.
On the tourism front, Ambassador Versteden said more Turkish tourists were coming to enjoy some of Zimbabwe’s prime tourist destinations.
“I am confident many will follow after Zimbabwe was announced to be the best country to visit – with which I fully concur.
“So my message is clear: Türkiye is a trusted and genuine partner, ready to cooperate with Zimbabwe on its path to industrialisation, based on equal partnership and mutual respect,” she said.
On his part, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Permanent Secretary Mr Albert Chimbindi expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s support of Zimbabwe’s UNSC candidature.
“Zimbabwe thanks Turkey for supporting the country’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the period 2027-2028.
“Zimbabwe stands ready to contribute constructively to the work of the Council, guided by the principles of dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes, and promotion of collective security.
“Turkey’s support is an invaluable expression of friendship and confidence in Zimbabwe’s commitment to the maintenance of international peace and security,” he said.
