Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo, [email protected]
PERMANENT Representatives to the United Nations (UN), who are on a five day visit to Zimbabwe, have expressed strong admiration for the work and achievements recorded under the Second Republic, describing the country’s bid for non permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a clear reflection of its growing stature and influence in Africa.
The Permanent Representatives, drawn from various countries, are in Zimbabwe as the country continues with its global diplomatic outreach in pursuit of a non permanent seat on the UNSC for the 2027 term.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Neil Parsan, who is part of an eight member delegation currently in the country, told journalists following a closed door meeting with President Mnangagwa at State House yesterday that the UNSC remains the most influential global body responsible for international peace and security.
“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 added, pointing to Zimbabwe’s expanding footprint on the global stage.
The visit by the UN delegation comes as Harare intensifies its campaign ahead of elections scheduled for June, as it seeks a non permanent seat on the UNSC for the 2027–2028 term.
The delegation comprises Mr Lewis Brown II, UN Permanent Representative to 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; Zimbabwe’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Ambassador Taonga Mushayavanhu; and Minister Counsellor of Zimbabwe to New York, Ms Batanai Mhango.
Ambassador Parsan said the visit would allow the delegation to gain first hand insight into Zimbabwe’s contributions and potential role within the international community.
“Particularly, as your country prepares itself 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.
He noted that during the closed door engagement, President Mnangagwa had underscored Zimbabwe’s commitment to peace and global security, while also extending an invitation to the delegation to explore the country’s investment opportunities.
“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 appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the delegation since the start of their five day visit.
With Zimbabwe set to mark its 46th Independence anniversary later this month, Ambassador Parsan congratulated the country on what he described as the “tremendous work” achieved 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 further said Zimbabwe, whose foreign policy is anchored on the principle of “A friend to all and enemy to none”, had demonstrated its credentials as a champion of peace in an increasingly volatile global environment.
“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 delegation of UN Permanent Representatives is on a five day familiarisation tour, which will also see them visit several other sites across the country, including the Victoria Falls.
