Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
THE two-day Zimbabwe-United Kingdom dialogue on United Nations Security Council issues opened in Harare this Thursday, providing an opportunity for the two countries to exchange experiences, deepen mutual understanding and build practical partnerships.
Zimbabwe was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) at an election held in New York in June this year.
The country will serve a two-year term from January 2027 to December 2028.
The dialogue is being led by Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi and British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mrs Gill Lever OBE.
Head of the UN and the Multilateral Department is also attending.
Representing Ambassador Chimbindi at the official opening, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Chief Director for Multilateral Affairs, Mrs Petronella Nyagura, expressed appreciation to the two governments for the initiative, which comes as Zimbabwe is making strides in its international engagements.
“This dialogue offers an opportunity to exchange experiences, deepen mutual understanding and, most importantly, build practical partnerships that can extend beyond our respective responsibilities in the Security Council.
“As we take up our membership, we are committed to contributing meaningfully to the promotion of international peace and security, which are an essential foundation for sustainable development,” she said.
Ambassador Lever said the dialogue was a practical expression of the strengthening relationship between the two countries.
The dialogue offered an opportunity to exchange experiences, deepen mutual understanding and, most importantly, build practical partnerships that extend beyond their respective responsibilities in the Security Council.
“We are looking forward to working with you as you take on this very important international responsibility. I think today’s dialogue matters for several reasons; first of all, it’s a practical expression of a UK-Zimbabwe relationship that is changing and strengthening.
“We will not always see every international issue in the same way. Good partnerships don’t require that to be the case. In fact, I think the best policies emerge from diverse perspectives and constructive challenge.
“Good partnerships also mean that we have a frank and respectful dialogue and our relationship is increasingly based on this mutual and frank exchange and a willingness to work together where our interests and values coincide.
“This is the kind of mature partnership we want to build as the UK and Zimbabwe,” she said.
