Zim committed to maintaining regional peace, security: Minister

Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter

ZIMBABWE is committed to playing its part in the maintenance of peace and security in the region, continent, and beyond, especially after President Mnangagwa’s recent assumption of the SADC chair, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Ambassador Frederick Shava, has said.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Harare yesterday organised by the United Nations in preparation for the Summit of the Future to be held in New York later this month, Amb Shava said Zimbabwe would continue playing an integral role in the maintenance of regional peace and security.

“Our region enjoys relative peace and security, a result of its commitment to upholding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“The peace that prevails in Southern Africa continues to create a conducive environment for sustainable development as there can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.

“In instances where we have faced security challenges within our region, we have prioritised dialogue and strengthening political cooperation and enhancing democracy, good governance, and human security. Where requested, SADC has, and will continue to render military assistance to ensure the collective security of the region.”

Amb Shava said CompPact for the Future captured the country’s collective dedication to restoring trust and reaffirming the principles of the United Nations Charter, while also promoting peace, security and sustainable development across the world.

“These aspirations align with the priorities of the African Union Peace and Security Council and SADC peace building initiatives.

“I take this opportunity to reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to the full and effective implementation of the objectives of the Summit of the Future, which inter alia, seek ways of enhancing cooperation on critical challenges and building peaceful, just and inclusive societies, and to ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources and move towards a reinvigorated multilateral system that can effectively tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow for the sake of humanity.”

Amb Shava outlined the efforts by Government to foster peace locally.

“Government has introduced initiatives aimed at addressing issues of peace, national cohesion and reconciliation through the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. Through these initiatives, Government is facilitating the resolution of historical sources of conflict and steering the country towards national healing,” he said.

On its part, Zimbabwe hoped for the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to matters of global peace and security as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2027 to 2028.

“Zimbabwe firmly believes in the principle of ‘African solutions for African problems’. In that regard, not only do we continue to call for the reform of the UN Security Council, we support increased co-ordination between the UN Security Council and continental and regional peace and security mechanisms to ensure synergy in our peace and security efforts,” Amb Shava said.

UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon, said national consultations with Zimbabwe were invaluable.

“They affirm our understanding that local perspectives are integral to the broader global conversation.

“In the last few weeks and days, by involving media professionals, youths from all 10 provinces of the country and members of the diplomatic corps, we have ensured that diverse voices are woven into the international tapestry.

“This vibrant blend of local dialogue and national perspective will illuminate the path towards a thorough Compact of the Future,” he said.