Staff Reporter

The Angolan Foreign Minister, Tete Antonio, has praised President Mnangagwa and ZANU PF on their August, 2023 electoral victory labelling it a milestone that sets the stage for the country's socio-economic advancement.

His remarks followed a fruitful discussion with his Zimbabwean counterpart, Foreign Affairs Minister, Frederick Shava.

After the meeting, Minister Antonio highlighted the victory of President Mnangagwa and ZANU PF as pivotal for ushering Zimbabwe onto a path of enhanced development and prosperity.

"The election victory by ZANU PF aims to develop the socio-economic landscape of the country," Antonio remarked, emphasising the crucial role of political stability in fostering sustainable growth.

He further lauded President Mnangagwa's dedication to reformative measures and his vision for rejuvenating Zimbabwe's economy.

The Angolan minister's statements align with the sentiments of many across Zimbabwe and the wider African continent, who see a stable political environment as essential for attracting investments and executing long-term developmental plans.

Moreover, while addressing regional issues, Minister Antonio strongly criticised the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, echoing the Southern African Development Community's (SADC) collective stance.

He articulated that these sanctions not only tarnish Zimbabwe's image but also obstruct its economic progress and that of the broader African region.

"The sanctions place a negative image and hinder the development and the reach of the economic development of African countries," Antonio explained.

In a demonstration of solidarity, Antonio expressed Angola's readiness to collaborate with Zimbabwe within the SADC framework.

He also voiced support for Zimbabwe's endeavour to assume the presidency of the Ministers Council of SADC at the forthcoming 44th SADC Summit, scheduled to be hosted in Zimbabwe.

Political analyst Elton Ziki noted that the Angolan Foreign Minister's unequivocal condemnation of the sanctions reflects SADC's strong commitment to advocating for the removal of obstacles that impede Zimbabwe's development.

"The punitive measures imposed by certain Western nations have been widely criticised for exacerbating Zimbabwe's economic challenges and impeding its progress," Ziki commented.

Ziki added that the endorsement by Antonio not only reinforces the spirit of regional cooperation but also signals a broader regional consensus on supporting Zimbabwe's path forward amidst ongoing challenges.