Story by John Nhandara
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Palestine while pledging to deepen bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in women’s empowerment and socio-economic development.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting in Harare on Monday between the Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr Tamer Almassri, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa.
The two sides discussed ways of strengthening cooperation, with a particular focus on programmes that promote women’s empowerment and inclusive economic development.
Ambassador Almassri said Palestine is keen to expand cooperation with Zimbabwe through knowledge exchange and partnerships.
“Our women’s delegation once came here, and we are happy to come again and ready to host you in Palestine. We want to be partners and supporters in women empowerment. Women in Zimbabwe are very strong; they actively contribute to the growth of different sectors,” he said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said Zimbabwe values its longstanding relations with Palestine and remains committed to strengthening engagement in areas of mutual interest.
“Our mandate is to bring people together. SMEs are the pulse of the economy. We are also in charge of cooperatives, which have a wider reach of inclusivity in line with Vision 2030.”
She reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s position on Palestine, adding:
“We appreciate, as the Government of Zimbabwe and as women of Zimbabwe, the long-standing cordial relationships between Zimbabwe and Palestine. We value engagement of mutual interest and avenues of strengthening that relationship. We are in total solidarity with the people of Palestine. We condemn what is happening in the Gaza Strip.”
The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to explore new areas of cooperation, with plans to formalise the partnership through memoranda of understanding in various sectors.
