Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa who has since arrived back home after attending the Italy-Africa summit in Rome says it’s key for Zimbabwe to work with international organisations in its quest to ensuring food security.
The convening of international forums presents an opportunity for governments to interact with relevant organisations as they seek solutions to better and grow their economies .
The world’s focus has lately been on striking partnerships with Africa and this has been reflected through the efforts developed nations are putting to convene with African leaders and discuss economic development and mutual partnerships in various areas of cooperation.
When the African leaders met in Rome for two days , focus was on Italy presenting its strategic plan for Africa and outlining their desired areas of interest for the continent .
It emerged energy , agriculture and education topped the list in terms of cooperation.
President Mnangagwa was among the African heads of state who attended the summit .
Speaking to the media, the Head of State pointed out the interest by the world to work with the continent .
“What is developing now, it does seem that every serious developing country wants to have relations with Africa. For some reason Africa has become important to us. It’s not really about a particular country it’s Africa France, Spain, it’s collective, Africa as a collective entity should develop,” said the President.
The Second Republic has put in deliberate policies to enhance the country’s food security. These include efforts to climate-proof the agriculture sector through increasing hectarage under irrigation as well as building more water bodies and maximum use of the already existing ones.
President Mnangagwa said it is critical for the country to work with institutions like the Food and Agriculture Organization ( FAO) as it works on reclaiming its food basket status.
“Zimbabwe is regarded as a food basket for our regions. It’s important that we have relations with FAO, so that we can continue to modernise our agriculture and become food secure.”
The growth of any economy is spurred by the availability of power and President Mnangagwa said the government will continue to work towards power projects.
“I’m sure you’re aware that every developed country must have energy and when an opportunity arises to talk about energy we take it .”
President Mnangagwa arrived back home Wednesday evening, and was welcomed back by Vice President, Colonel (Rtd) Kembo Mohadi, service chiefs and senior government officials.