Staff Reporter
Riding on the country’s wish to be “a friend to all and an enemy to none,” together with its re-invigorated economic diplomacy, Zimbabweans remains ready to deepen engagement with other countries for the mutual and collective good of its people and economy,” says President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa said this while addressing Diplomats at a belated virtual New Year’s Greetings occasion in the capital yesterday. The occasion has become an annual event on the country’s calendar.
The President expressed profound appreciation to all nations for the continuous humanitarian and financial support and solidarity during this Covid-19 period, highlighting that the varied interventions have undoubtedly eased the weighty responsibility before the country. Despite the Covid-19 induced economic challenges which were preceded by natural disasters, the President said the Government continued to prioritise saving lives and livelihoods.
“To date, appropriate, responsive and comprehensive national mechanisms have been rolled out which include imposition of various levels of national lockdowns, local production of essential Protective Personal Equipment (PPEs) and medicines, social safety nets for vulnerable households, as well as staffing and refurbishment of health institutions countrywide. These strategies continue to be modified as the pandemic is still with us,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa said the country remained grateful for the donation of vaccine doses from the People’s Republic of China, Russia Federation and India, adding that the country is set to receive other vaccine doses guaranteed under the COVAX facility which will go a long way in strengthening the country’s response with regards to achieving herd immunity.
The President said Zimbabwe was determined to harness the vast and varied resources, be they natural, human, capital, skills or technological. He said the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) addressed the country’s national Vision of attaining an upper Middle-class Income Economy by 2030, as well as the continental and global aspirations as articulated in the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Same highlighted that the country remained committed to honouring instruments and agreements entered into with stakeholders in business and cooperating partners, including Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPAs). He said the process of ratifying and updating all such existing instruments as well as negotiating new ones was ongoing.
Meanwhile, Prophet Uebert Angel was yesterday officially appointed Special Presidential Envoy and Ambassador at large for Zimbabwe at the State House. His remit covers Europe, North, South and Central America.
The founder of the Spirit Embassy: Goodness Church who is based in the United Kingdom has been in the country for the last two weeks undergoing an induction and training programme for diplomats.
Speaking after he was sworn in, Prophet Angel said that he would use his vast business experience and connections to raise the country’s profile and to bring investors into the country.
Under the Presidency of President Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe’s foreign policy is characterised by the desire to engage and re-engage with all nations including the West, with a view to securing the removal of sanctions and encouraging investment.
