Online Reporter
Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE continues to deepen its legal and diplomatic cooperation with Russia and enhanced this drive last week after Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Deputy Minister Advocate Nobert Mazungunye attended the 14th St Petersburg International Legal Forum in St Petersburg.
The high-level forum, which ran from Wednesday to Saturday last week, brought together justice ministers, legal experts and policymakers from across the globe to discuss contemporary legal developments and strengthen international cooperation.
Adv Mazungunye also attended the meeting of Ministers of Justice, chaired by the Russian Federation Minister of Justice, Konstantin Chuychenko.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Deputy Minister met Russia’s Deputy Minister of Justice, where the two exchanged a treaty signed by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi on behalf of Zimbabwe.
The treaty is expected to enhance legal cooperation between the two nations, particularly in addressing issues relating to Zimbabwean citizens incarcerated in Russia and Russian citizens serving sentences in Zimbabwe.
Speaking in an interview from St Petersburg, Advocate Mazungunye said the forum came at a significant time for Zimbabwe as it continues implementing constitutional and legislative reforms.
“Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 has just passed the Senate vote and this is a significant milestone for the people of Zimbabwe. It is going to bring the much-needed changes and aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe.”
He said Zimbabwe’s participation in the forum presented an opportunity to engage with other nations and exchange experiences on legal and governance issues.
“I am pleased to represent the republic at this year’s Legal Forum in St Petersburg, Russia. I am confident that this forum will allow Zimbabwe to exchange ideas with other nations and also for us to learn from other nations. This is all thanks to the astute leadership of His Excellency Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa.”
The St Petersburg International Legal Forum has become one of the world’s leading platforms for dialogue on legal development, international law and judicial cooperation, attracting government officials, legal practitioners and academics from various countries.
Zimbabwe’s participation is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations with Russia while advancing cooperation in justice administration, legal reform and international treaty implementation.
