SADC region commits to integrate for developmen
Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) region has pledged to work together in the successful implementation of various policies and programmes that spearhead regional development and growth.
This emerged during an interface between the government and SADC Ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe in Harare this Wednesday.
The coming together of SADC Member states to push for a shared vision towards regional integration is at the core of the regional bloc’s operations.
Meeting with the SADC Group of Ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe this Wednesday, the government reiterated that a shared vision is crucial in pushing for an industrialised region.
Representing the ambassadors, the Dean of the group and Angola’s envoy to Zimbabwe His Excellency Agostino Tavares da Silva Neto said the interface is important in deliberating on several issues taking place within the region.
“On behalf of the SADC Ambassadors Group, accredited to the Republic of Zimbabwe, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe for extending an invitation to us to attend this important introductory meeting. As the SADC Ambassadors Group accredited to Zimbabwe, we appreciate and commend this initiative which confirms the continued desire to promote direct interaction with us on matters of mutual interest.
“To this end, we would like to use this opportunity to express our strong desire to continue working closely with the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe and reiterate our support for the removal of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, among other issues. Finally, we take this opportunity to congratulate His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for assuming the chairmanship of SADC in August 2024, which gives historic significance to Zimbabwe and all countries in the SADC region.”
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira reiterated that a prosperous SADC is built on cooperation in regional development, peace and security.
He said, “Building a prosperous future for the SADC citizens requires resilience, beginning with bilateral cooperation as the basis of our regional development, complemented at continental levels at the African Union. Our discussions touched on several key issues, inclusive of the 44th SADC Summit theme and the potential of innovation in advancing our industrialisation, emphasising the need to continue to work together to implement our theme.
“We need to be masters of our destiny, notwithstanding the need to collaborate with our development partners. We also acknowledged that peace and security are the foundation of the socio-economic development of our region and it is our responsibility to promote peace and security in our region.”
This Wednesday’s meeting marked the first formal engagement between Professor Murwira and the SADC Group of Ambassadors since his recent appointment as Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
