Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
The ongoing Ministerial Preparatory Meeting for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) has seen regional ministers meeting to deliberate on issues affecting SADC along with a congratulatory message to Zimbabwe for assuming the chairmanship.
Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Frederick Shava spoke on the importance of regional integration, SADC-Japan cooperation along with issues of peace and security.
“The Republic of Zimbabwe took over the SADC chair from the Republic of Angola. Firstly, as the hosts, we were very pleased by the attendance at the summit, which was the highest in the past decade. At that summit, Madagascar was elected as the incoming chairperson of SADC. The summit also elected Tanzania as chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security. The heads of state and government noted progress made in relation to reforms in Lesotho and commended the SADC panel of elders led by His Excellency Jakaya Kikwete, former president of Tanzania, for its ongoing support to the reform process in the Mountain kingdom.
“They also commended the SADC mission in Mozambique for the progress made towards the pursuit of peace and stability in Cabo Delgado province, and particularly in view of the fact that SAMIM was now withdrawn from Mozambique,” he said.
He added, “In addition, the SADC heads of state and government welcomed efforts by the African Union and the UN to explore various options to support the SADC mission in the DRC, what we call SAMI DRC, and this will be going on during the year in the course of Zimbabwe’s chairmanship.
” I therefore urge you all, as our representatives here in Japan, to engage in constructive dialogue with your hosts and countries of multiple accreditation. We need strategic partnerships to enhance our region’s development. I also want to underscore the importance of speaking with one voice in order to strengthen our regional cooperation, integration, and growth.”
As Madagascar is pitching for the Chair of the African Union Commission, Deputy Chairperson of SADC Council of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Madagascar Honourable Mrs Rasata Rafaravavitaficaka sought regional support for its candidate, Richard Rangiamandratu.
“His Excellency, Mr. Andrew Rajolina, the President of the Republic of Madagascar during the last SADC summit committed to making the next summit a productive and memorable event where we can further strengthen our bonds, share insights and work together towards our shared vision for the future. Thank you all for your invaluable contributions and let us embrace the New Year under Zimbabwe’s tenure with renewed energy and commitment. Let us continue to work together with the same spirit of collaboration and unity that has always characterised our efforts so far. Together, we can build on our successes and address the challenges ahead.
“I would like to take this opportunity to meet SADC members to introduce and reiterate Mr. Richard Rangiamandratu as our candidate for the chairmanship of the commission of the African Union Commission. Excellencies, we are at a pivotal moment, one that requires a leader who is not only capable but also compassionate. A leader who understands the challenges we face and who dares to tackle them head-on. Someone who can unite us and inspire us to be our best selves as individuals, as diplomats and as a community,” she said.
Zimbabwe’s representative in Japan, Ambassador Stuart Nyakotyo, highlighted that relations between SADC and Japan will promote positive engagements in areas of trade, investment, and technology transfer are critical to the economic success of SADC member countries.
