Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
THE government says the country’s foreign policy doctrine is crucial in propelling the engagement and re-engagement agenda.
Presenting a lecture at the Zimbabwe National Defence University this Friday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira said the doctrine provides guidelines on how Zimbabwe engages with the international community.
“In the Second Republic, Zimbabwe desires to establish a stable and mature foreign policy founded on solid principles that promote the integrity, dignity and prosperity of Zimbabwe. To this end, His Excellency the President, Emmerson Mnangagwa has pronounced a Doctrine of Zimbabwe’s Foreign Relations and International Cooperation that is meant to be a reference point for foreign policy development based on the principles of ensuring the integrity, dignity and prosperity of Zimbabwe,” he said.
“We have therefore codified our foreign relations and international cooperation doctrine that provides general guidelines for Zimbabwe’s foreign policy based on His Excellency, the President’s decisions on our international relations in compliance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe. In other words, the doctrine guides how Zimbabwe shall generally react to adversity or opportunity in her external environment. In the process, the doctrine aims to guarantee the integrity, dignity and prosperity of Zimbabwe.”
He added that the economic diplomacy thrust through the trade promotion body, ZimTrade, is gaining traction.
“In addition, we are enhancing our Foreign Policy elements to refocus our diplomatic resources to suit Zimbabwe’s ever-evolving interests. Economic diplomacy is one of the means through which we shall serve our national interests. ZIMTRADE is our entity that facilitates our trade with the foreign environment. Our foreign policy puts emphasis on trade, trade that is based on our Heritage.
“We are boosting our local production based on our heritage to boost our comparative advantage. Zimbabwe manages its foreign relations in a manner that ensures the integrity, dignity, and prosperity of its people. Zimbabwe therefore pursues a balanced approach in managing foreign relations, prioritising its citizens’ needs while engaging constructively on the global stage,” he said.
The Foreign Minister also revealed that by opening new embassies, the government is strengthening cooperation with friendly countries for broader economic growth.
