Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter
THE United Kingdom is “absolutely committed” to building a partnership based on equality and respect with Zimbabwe, the UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has said.
Lord Collins yesterday paid a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa at State House in Harare.
Speaking to the media after his closed-door meeting with the President, the House of Lords member said the new Government thrust, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was one of focusing on Africa’s agenda “not just ours”.
“We are absolutely committed to building a partnership, a partnership based on equality and respect, but on a simple mission, a mission for economic growth, growth that can support both of our peoples, creating a win-win situation.
“ . . . because the new government in the United Kingdom is about developing a new approach, a new approach to the continent of Africa, where we actually launched a consultation last year, a consultation on our approach, which was about listening and not talking, about focusing on the continent’s agenda, not simply ours, creating a win-win situation focused on growth.
“And that win-win situation is something that I think we all want to ensure a future prosperity for Zimbabwe and future prosperity for the United Kingdom.
“I have been very pleased with the outcome of that consultation, and as we move forward, what we are absolutely clear, our approach is not a one-size-fits-all,” he said.
In recent years, ties between Harare and London have continued to thaw on the back of the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement diplomatic offensive.
The UK thus, recently lifted punitive measures targeting Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Lieutenant General (Rtd) Anselem Sanyatwe, former Central Intelligence Organisation Director-General Isaac Moyo, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube and the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI).
Lord Collins described his meeting with President Mnangagwa as “very positive”, while expressing the UK’s commitment to the upscaling of bilateral relations with Zimbabwe.
“It’s been a real pleasure to meet His Excellency this morning, and it’s been a real pleasure to be here in Zimbabwe.
“We have had a very, very positive exchange this morning, so I’m extremely pleased and I’m looking forward to returning back to Zimbabwe.
“It’s about strengthening our bilateral relationships.
“So I said to His Excellency this morning, I’m very determined to return to Zimbabwe to ensure that we actually deliver what we promise,” he said.
Acting Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, who also took part in the meeting, said discussions had been cordial, with President Mnangagwa reaffirming that Zimbabwe is open for business.
“It was a very cordial discussion, and the President welcomed his guest with open arms, reassured him that Zimbabwe remains open for business and that he is happy with the progress that the two countries are making in terms of improving the relations.
“So it really was a very good and warm meeting between the President and the minister, Lord Collins.
“And he promised to be back,” he said.
On the business front, Minister Ndlovu said Lord Collins had held a business meeting with British businesspeople in Zimbabwe.
“So he indicated that he had a breakfast meeting with mainly British businesspeople, and his desire is to see how they can be supported to invest more and to facilitate trade,” he said.
