admin
Wallace Ruzvidzo, Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE is always ready to host any regional or international event when called upon to do so and the forthcoming SADC Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government is no exception, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, has said.
The summit kicks off tomorrow and ends on November 20.
It is widely expected that the summit will focus on emerging issues of regional significance including the recent elections in Mozambique and Botswana and upcoming polls in Namibia.
Namibians vote on November 27.
Responding to inquiries yesterday, Dr Muswere said Zimbabwe was ready to host the Extraordinary Summit, in its capacity as Chair of the regional bloc.
“We are ready to host. This particular summit is held under the auspices of the SADC Secretariat directive to the mandate of SADC,” he said.
“In that regard, we are receptive to the hosting not as a member State, but as the current Chair State.”
Zimbabwe, added Dr Muswere, is riding on the successful hosting of the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in August at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
“It is of paramount importance to note that Zimbabwe was able to provide the region with a prestigious venue and will continue to do as such for all events of that magnitude,” he said.
Dr Muswere said formal communication on the issues that would have been discussed will be availed to everyone across the region for purposes of transparency.
Government is not relenting in terms of infrastructure development, even after the SADC Summit held in August, added Dr Muswere.
Protocol, security, accommodation, roads and the venue, are all ready to host the Extraordinary Summit.
“It can be noted that Government’s focus on infrastructure development continues after the 44th Summit so the question of preparedness should never come to mind because the Second Republic has ensured that we are always ready to host any event at any given time.
“His Excellency the President, Dr E.D Mnangagwa is a great Statesman, with footprints in the region. He has provided visionary leadership in the peace, defence and security and development and many other aspects in the region,” Dr Muswere said.
Online Reporter