Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
ZIMBABWE has stepped up its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the year 2027-2028 term, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa having dispatched a Special envoy to bid for support in the Pacific Islands.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, arrived in Nuku’alofa, in the Kingdom of Tonga, this Friday, marking the first leg of a strategic diplomatic mission aimed at consolidating support ahead of the United Nations Security Council elections set for June 3 this year.
The Foreign Minister is in the Pacific in his capacity as Special Envoy of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, carrying a message of solidarity and deepened cooperation.
He met with Tonga’s Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Lord Fakafanua, and the two reaffirmed diplomatic ties between the two countries, which date back to 1999, while exploring new avenues for South-to-South cooperation.
“We are truly honoured to receive His Excellency here in the Kingdom of Tonga. I am greatly encouraged by the fact that our two countries share the same foreign policy outlook. Tonga also subscribes to the principle of “Friend to All and Enemy to None,” and I would like to add that we are inclusive, not exclusive.
“That spirit of openness is very important to us, and I am encouraged by the closeness of the relationship we are seeking to build with Zimbabwe. Our diplomatic relations began in 1999, and there is a clear message from the President of Zimbabwe that we must pursue closer ties, not only between Tonga and Zimbabwe, but also between Zimbabwe and the broader Pacific region.
“During our bilateral discussions today, it became evident that we share very similar cultures and values. I look forward to the election later this year, and of course, we will carefully consider all candidates. However, I am encouraged by the strong potential for enhanced South-to-South cooperation between our nations.
“These priorities strongly align with those of our African brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe. We therefore look forward to working more closely together, and I wish Zimbabwe every success in its campaign for a temporary seat on the United Nations Security Council,” Tonga Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua said.
Zimbabwe’s Pacific outreach, which includes visits to the Solomon Islands and the Republic of Fiji, targets Small Island Developing States, a key constituency within the United Nations system.
Zimbabwe’s diplomatic push in the Pacific underscores Harare’s determination to secure broad-based international support as it seeks to play a greater role in global peace and security.
