Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador-designate to Russia, Mark Grey Marongwe, has officially bid farewell to President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House yesterday, marking the final step before he assumes his diplomatic duties in Moscow.
The courtesy call represents a key moment in Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations with one of its strategic allies.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed the meeting, emphasizing the significance of the Zimbabwe-Russia partnership.
“Today, the Zimbabwe Ambassador-designate to Russia, Ambassador Mark Grey Marongwe, paid a farewell courtesy call on His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare,” Mangwana stated.
During the meeting, Ambassador Marongwe expressed his gratitude for the appointment, highlighting the importance of his mission to foster closer ties with Russia.
"The role of an ambassador is to build strong relations between the sending country and the receiving country. The Russian Federation has been a steadfast ally in global affairs, and I am honoured to represent Zimbabwe as Ambassador,” he remarked.
Ambassador Marongwe’s upcoming tenure in Moscow is expected to deepen cooperation between Zimbabwe and Russia across several sectors, including energy, defence, and agriculture.
This appointment also draws on a long history of collaboration dating back to Zimbabwe's liberation struggle.
Ambassador Marongwe is tasked with advancing strategic partnerships that align with the Second Republic’s agenda of engagement and re-engagement with international partners.
Zimbabwe has historically maintained a strategic relationship with Russia, particularly in trade, investment, and education.
Ambassador Marongwe brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served in various diplomatic capacities, including as High Commissioner to Mozambique in the 1990s, Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002, and Ambassador to Kuwait in 2007.
He also held the position of Director of Regional Cooperation and Continental Integration in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, before serving as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs until his retirement in 2022.
His extensive background in diplomacy positions him well to build on the solid foundation of cooperation between Zimbabwe and Russia. The Ambassador’s departure signals Zimbabwe’s commitment to diversifying its international relationships and enhancing its global standing.
Ambassador Marongwe is expected to present his credentials to Russian authorities in the coming weeks and will formally begin his duties shortly thereafter.
His mission will focus on advancing Zimbabwe’s interests in Russia, reinforcing the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations, and ensuring continued collaboration on shared goals.
