Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
PERMANENT Representatives to the United Nations, who are on a five-day visit to the country, have expressed deep admiration for the work and achievements delivered under the Second Republic, saying Zimbabwe’s bid for non-permanent representation on the UN Security Council is a testament to the strength of its standing and position in Africa.
The Permanent Representatives, drawn from various countries, are in Zimbabwe as the southern African country continues on its global diplomatic charm offensive for a berth on the UNSC as a non-permanent member for the year 2027.
Trinidad and Tobago Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Neil Parsan, who is part of the eight-member delegation currently in Zimbabwe, told reporters following a closed-door meeting with President Mnangagwa at State House in Harare yesterday that the UNSC is the largest, most important global Security Council on the planet.
“And Zimbabwe’s presence on that Council speaks volumes to its representation on the continent of Africa. As a country, you should be extremely proud,” he said, referring to its increasing footprint on the global stage.
The visit by the UN delegation comes as Harare intensifies its campaign for its UNSC seat bid for the term 2027-2028, with elections slated for June.
The UN delegation includes Mr Lewis Brown II, UN Permanent Representative from Liberia; Ambassador Odo Tevi from Vanuatu; Ambassador Neil Parsan from Trinidad and Tobago; Mr Stefan Pretterhofer from Austria; Mr Jorge Eduardo from Portugal; Mr Mohamed Rabi Yusuf from Somalia; Mr Taniela Kepa Siose from Tuvalu; Ms Corina Moroi from Moldova; Zimbabwean Permanent Representative to New York, Ambassador Taonga Mushayavanhu; and Minister Counsellor of Zimbabwe to New York Ms Batanai Mhango.
Ambassador Parsan said the delegation’s visit will enable them to learn more about Zimbabwe’s offerings to the international community.
“Particularly, as your country prepares to offer itself as a candidate for a non-permanent, uncontested seat on the Security Council.
“Trinidad and Tobago, my country, is also uncontested for a non-permanent seat on behalf of the Latin American Caribbean group,” he said.
The UN representative said during their closed-door meeting, President Mnangagwa had made it clear that Zimbabwe stood for peace and security.
He added that the President had also invited them to appreciate the various investment opportunities in Zimbabwe.
“The President was very clear on his appreciable understanding and linkages of global peace and security to sustainable development, civilian protection, human rights and all that the United Nations stands for,” said Ambassador Parsan.
He expressed gratitude for the warmth and hospitality the delegation has been afforded since their arrival for their five-day visit.
As Zimbabwe prepares to commemorate its 46th Independence anniversary this month, Ambassador Parsan congratulated Zimbabwe for the “tremendous work” that has been accomplished so far by “a young country”.
“We should be very proud. We all made a statement. Zimbabwe is a proud Zimbabwe. Proud people, mindful, thoughtful people.
“And we (have) thoroughly enjoyed our very short stay so far and we have a couple more days to look at other opportunities within the country beyond the ambit of simply global peace and security, but also investment, which is extremely important in building your economy to where you would like it to be,” he said.
Ambassador Parsan said Zimbabwe, whose pillar of foreign policy is “a friend to all and enemy to none”, had proven to be a peace champion in an increasingly volatile world, which was commendable.
“The United Nations needs the world. There is no other body where open, balanced, practical and reliable dialogue and conversations can take place.
“It is still and will remain the only multilateral forum in which these opportunities for clear dialogue could take place,” he said.
The team of UN Representatives is on a five-day familiarisation tour, which will see them visiting various other places and attractions across the country, including the majestic Victoria Falls.
