Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
DEFENCE Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri recently joined world leaders in tackling topical global peace and security issues at the 62nd Munich Security Conference, in Germany.
The conference, held under the theme: “Under Destruction” took place at a time when the global peace and security environment is under threat amid unprecedented conflicts, tension and mistrust in a changing landscape.
The Munich Security Conference was attended by 60 Heads of State and Government, ministers of defence and foreign affairs from about 115 countries.
It was addressed by prominent personalities that included the UK prime minister, US state secretary, and the Chinese minister of foreign affairs.
Speaking during the official opening of the conference, Germany Chancellor, Frederich Merz, highlighted that the world is witnessing the end of the so-called rules-based world order as evidenced by great power rivalry, struggle for spheres of influence, decline in multilateralism, resulting in the rise of uncertainty, tensions and conflicts.
The conference noted the rise of emerging powers and the futility of a single super power.
It also deliberated on steps to strengthen defence and security cooperation in the European Community with the view to build a stronger and independent Europe.
This is in response to the new United States foreign policy. The Russia-Ukraine situation also took centre stage with world leaders calling for the use of diplomatic engagements to end the conflict.
This conference also put the peace and security situation in Africa under spotlight.
The deliberations covered the civil war in Sudan and the situation in Gaza as well as the recurring climate change induced natural disasters and the accompanying humanitarian crises.
The conference highlighted the need to adhere to the dictates of the United Nations Charter, the provisions of international law, use of diplomacy in resolving conflicts and promotion of democracy.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also participated in a breakfast meeting held in honour of women in leadership positions which reaffirmed the critical and unique contribution of women to peacebuilding processes.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Conference, Minister Muchinguri Kashiri said Zimbabwe and the African region are not spared from the shifting geopolitical landscape and its impact on peace and security, climate change, conflict and related humanitarian crises.
The conference gives Zimbabwe the opportunity to engage and reengage with other countries with the view to forge partnerships, promoting international peace and security.
This is in line with President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement policy – that “Zimbabwe is indeed, a friend to all and an enemy to none”.
With regards to Zimbabwe-Germany bilateral relations, the Minister indicated that relations between Zimbabwe and Germany were set to strengthen following the Second Republic’s engagement and reengagement policy.
Zimbabwe has been invited to the Munich Security Conference for the second consecutive time demonstrating bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Germany.
The German government is also contributing to peace and security in Zimbabwe and the SADC region, through funding of mine clearance, transfrontier conservation areas and other humanitarian interventions.
Bilateral economic cooperation is also set to strengthen as both countries foresee great opportunities of cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
