Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE will leverage its recent election to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, said yesterday.
He made the remarks while delivering the opening address at the two-day Fourth Meeting of the National Coordinators of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations in Harare.
The meeting is running under the theme, “Effective multilateralism in a multipolar international order: From Charter principles to practice”.
The sub-theme is, “Partnership and outreach: Engagement with regional groups and other stakeholders.”
The Second Republic under President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement policy has captured the imagination of the world and lured massive investment to Zimbabwe.
Prof Murwira thanked the Group for supporting Zimbabwe’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term last week.
“You have entrusted us with a solemn mandate to defend the Charter on the Council,” he said.
“As enshrined in section 12 (2) of our Constitution, we commit to respect of international law, peaceful coexistence and the peaceful resolution of international disputes within the auspices of the UN Charter.
“Zimbabwe is ready to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security in a dynamic world that has changed profoundly, but whose quest for principled multilateralism remains as urgent as ever.”
Prof Murwira said the country’s foreign policy doctrine of being “a friend to all and an enemy to none”, as enunciated by President Mnangagwa, reflected Zimbabwe’s belief that dialogue is stronger than division, co-operation is wiser than confrontation, and that the UN must remain the centre for harmonising the actions of nations.
“We commit to be a principled, constructive and reliable partner who will work with all stakeholders to build bridges and to promote consensus.
“Your continued support remains essential for Zimbabwe to contribute meaningfully towards the maintenance of international peace and upholding the values and principles of the Charter,” he said.
Prof Murwira also challenged UN member states to reaffirm the importance of upholding the UN Charter, its purposes and principles, protecting international law and promoting multilateralism.
“For Zimbabwe, effective multilateralism, as enshrined in Article 2 (1) of the Charter of the UN, rests on the sovereign equality of member States, as well as the respect for non-interference in their internal affairs.
“It entails the peaceful settlement of disputes and provides a framework for collective action to address global challenges and advance shared prosperity and sustainable development.
“It is for these reasons that this Group remains important to the work of the UN. Now more than ever, the world needs member States committed to the defence of the Charter of the UN, its purposes and principles, the upholding of international law and the promotion of genuine multilateralism,” he said.
The meeting is being attended by representatives from 18 countries, including Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, China, Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, the Sao People’s Democratic Republic, Mali, Nicaragua, Palestine, the Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Syria and Venezuela.
The Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations is an 18-member grouping established in July 2021 at the UN headquarters in New York and later in 2023 at the UN in Geneva.
It seeks to preserve, promote and defend the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including the sovereign equality of states, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the promotion of multilateralism and diplomacy over unilateral action as essential pillars of international peace and security, economic development and social progress.
