As Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is sworn is as Brazil President
Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
The Second Republic is intensifying its engagement and re-engagement agenda, with the latest being the affirmation of bilateral relations with Brazil and Guatemala.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office this Sunday as Brazil’s President, vowing to fight for the poor and the environment and rebuild the country.
The 77-year-old veteran leftist, who previously led Brazil from 2003 to 2010, took the oath of office before Congress, capping a remarkable political comeback for the metalworker-turned-president less than five years after he was jailed on controversial, since-quashed corruption charges.
“I will govern for the 215 million Brazilians, and not only for those who voted for me. I will govern for all of them, looking to our bright common future, and not through the rearview mirror of a past of division and intolerance,” he pledged.
Representing President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the inauguration, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Fredrick Shava, who met with President da Silva, says it was an opportunity to reaffirm bilateral ties between the two countries that currently exist under the South-to-South Cooperation.
On the sidelines of the swearing-in programme, Foreign Minister Shava also met with Guatemala Foreign Minister Honourable Pedro Brolo.
Zimbabwe and Guatemala pledged to improve diplomatic relations through the opening of honorary consuls, supporting each other on multilateral fora, enhancing trade and exchanging views on diplomatic schools.
Minister Brolo said, “The discussion was very fruitful. We explored various areas of cooperation and the possibility of expanding our multilateral cooperation in various areas.”
Ambassador Fredrick Shava said, “We exchanged views and ideas on our relations. They were very keen that we establish consular generals between our two countries and we have agreed to exchange notes come September 2023.”
The Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement agenda continues to yield positive results as the country seeks to regain its place in the global community of nations.
