Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says Zimbabwe remains open to engagement with all nations on the basis of mutual respect, in line with the Second Republic’s foreign policy philosophy of being a “friend to all, enemy to none”.
Speaking on Wednesday during the second day of the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, President Mnangagwa reiterated Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement agenda while participating in a Presidential panel discussion themed “Is the next decade African?”
The President said Zimbabwe’s international relations are guided by sovereignty and national interest rather than alignment with any geopolitical bloc.
“Zimbabwe is a sovereign state, and we engage with others on that basis,” President Mnangagwa said.
“Whether in relation to the West or the East, what is important is what we, as a nation, are satisfied with. We do not seek to please the West or the East, but ourselves. Relations cannot be measured uniformly, they are shaped by historical context and mutual understanding.”
He said Zimbabwe continues to maintain constructive relations with a range of countries, including China, despite its history as a former British colony.
President Mnangagwa also addressed the impact of economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe following the country’s land reform programme, describing them as illegal and unjustified.
“Zimbabwe has been under sanctions for decades as a result of reclaiming our land and asserting our independence,” he said.
“Despite these constraints, we have developed and are proud of having done so on our own. Land does not belong to any race; it belongs to Zimbabweans.”
He said the land reform programme corrected historical injustices, adding that those who chose to remain in Zimbabwe on equal footing with local citizens were welcomed, while others opted to leave.
Zimbabwe is using the World Governments Summit platform to engage in bilateral meetings with world leaders and potential investors, as the country continues efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations and attract investment.
