Story by Wellington Makonese
ZIMBABWE is strengthening defence cooperation with Serbia and Japan following high-level engagements between Minister of Defence Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and the two countries’ ambassadors in Harare on Thursday.
Serbia’s top envoy, His Excellency Radiša Grujić, and Japan’s Ambassador, His Excellency Maekawa Nobutaka, held separate meetings with Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, focusing on enhancing defence cooperation, peace, and security.
The engagements reaffirmed growing relations between Zimbabwe, Serbia and Japan, with both nations also expressing support for Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
“Serbia has vast experience and capacity, and we stand ready to support Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. We are confident Zimbabwe will uphold the principles of international law, the UN Charter, and multilateralism in this important role,” His Excellency Radiša Grujić said.
“Japan remains a committed partner to Zimbabwe, and we are exploring further collaboration in peace support, capacity development, and strengthening institutional frameworks,” Ambassador Maekawa Nobutaka said.
Minister Muchinguri Kashiri underscored the importance of collaboration for sustainable development, peace, and institutional strengthening.
“Zimbabwe stands ready to deepen its cooperation with both Serbia and Japan as we seek to build stronger defence capabilities and contribute to regional and global peace. We share historical ties with Serbia, particularly in training during the liberation struggle, while Japan remains a key partner in various areas of mutual cooperation,” she said.
The courtesy calls form part of ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at broadening Zimbabwe’s international partnerships and advancing shared security interests.
