Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
ZIMBABWE has intensified its diplomatic push for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) after President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Special Envoy, Professor Amon Murwira, held high-level engagements in Belgrade, Serbia.
The talks focused on consolidating support for Zimbabwe’s 2027–2028 UNSC bid while expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism, education, science and technology.
Professor Murwira delivered a special message from President Mnangagwa to Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut during meetings held in the Serbian capital.
“We are in the Republic of Serbia. Today, I presented my letters of appointment as Special Envoy of His Excellency President Dr Mnangagwa to the Prime Minister of Serbia, as well as the message to the Republic of Serbia thanking them for their support for Zimbabwe’s quest for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council,” Professor Murwira said.
He said the discussions reflected the strong political relations between Harare and Belgrade and the need to translate them into economic cooperation.
“We discussed several areas of cooperation, including trade, tourism, education, science, technology, innovation and culture,” he said.
Professor Murwira also highlighted efforts to restore a visa-free regime between the two countries and strengthen collaboration in information and communication technology (ICT).
“Serbia is one of the top countries in ICT innovation, and we believe that our cooperation in this area is very important,” he said.
The discussions also touched on Zimbabwe’s improving relations with the European Union and other Western nations.
“We were able to explain how relations between Zimbabwe and the European Union have improved greatly, and that trade between Zimbabwe and the EU has grown by over 38 percent just last year,” Professor Murwira said.
He said the improved diplomatic engagement was translating into economic opportunities and stronger international relations for Zimbabwe.
Education and innovation cooperation also featured prominently during the talks, with Serbia currently offering scholarships to Zimbabwean students in science and technology-related fields.
The two countries further explored trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with Zimbabwe inviting Serbia to participate at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) and Mine Entra.
Professor Murwira also confirmed Zimbabwe’s participation at Expo Serbia 2027.
