Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
ZIMBABWE has taken a significant step in strengthening its international relations after signing a Joint Communiqué with the Solomon Islands to formally establish diplomatic ties.
The agreement was sealed in Honiara as Zimbabwe intensifies its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
The historic signing ceremony marks the beginning of formal diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and the Solomon Islands, a move set to enhance cooperation between the two nations.
Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister, Honourable Peter Shanel Agovaka, reaffirmed his country’s support for Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, stating his confidence that Harare will advance the priorities of developing countries and strengthen multilateral cooperation
“Our signing of the Joint Communiqué today to begin the process of formalising our diplomatic relationship between our two countries is symbolic. It reflects our mutual commitment to dialogue, understanding, and cooperation. While our official ties will be newly established, the aspirations of our people for peace, prosperity and progress are long-standing and shared. As we embark on this journey together, we recognize that strong partnerships are built step by step. As they say, Rome is not built in a day. But through open communication and strong cooperation, we will build this partnership step by step,” Honourable Shanel Agovaka said.
“In this regard, Solomon Islands sees meaningful opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, education, cultural exchange and tourism with Zimbabwe. Excellency, during our bilateral meeting today, I conveyed to you my Government’s support for your candidature to the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028. I have delivered that note to you. Solomon Islands is pleased to support Zimbabwe as the officially endorsed candidate for the African Group.”
“We are confident that your tenure will advance the priorities of developing countries and strengthen multilateral cooperation. We also hope that during Zimbabwe’s tenure, the Security Council will give greater attention to the security priorities of Small Island Developing States. In the spirit of mutual partnership, we also look forward to Zimbabwe’s consideration of reciprocal support for Solomon Islands’ candidature for the non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2032 to 2033.”
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s doctrine of being “a friend to all and an enemy to none,” as articulated by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
He emphasised that Zimbabwe and the Solomon Islands face shared challenges, including climate change, external economic shocks and sustainable resource management, noting that strengthened South-South cooperation will drive development and response to these challenges
“Together, we can transform our shared opportunities into enduring partnerships that advance prosperity for our peoples and stability in our regions. Zimbabwe and the Solomon Islands share common concerns relating to climate change, external economic shocks, sustainable resource management and equitable access to development finance. We reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with the Solomon Islands through a structured relationship.
“We look forward to establishing the Zimbabwe–Solomon Islands Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation, which will provide the necessary impetus to broaden and consolidate our bilateral relations. In pursuit of a more inclusive and effective multilateral system, Zimbabwe seeks to contribute to global peace and security through its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
“We thank the Solomon Islands for its written support of our candidature, which I have formally received. Zimbabwe acknowledges this support as a reflection of our joint commitment to advancing an equitable international order in harmony with our shared values of global peace and security. May this occasion celebrate friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding, and lay the foundation for an enduring partnership that delivers tangible benefits to our peoples,” Professor Murwira said.
The development is expected to open a new chapter of friendship and structured partnership between Harare and Honiara, grounded in mutual respect and shared development goals.
Zimbabwe’s engagement in the Pacific region underscores its commitment to inclusive global governance and reform of multilateral institutions to reflect contemporary realities.
