Harare, (New Ziana) – Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Francis Mudenda, on Tuesday interfaced with the Iranian parliamentary delegation led by Dr. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Iran. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 149th International Parliamentary Union Assembly which is underway in Geneva, Switzerland.
In a statement, Parliament said the two Speakers engaged in discussions on wide ranging issues from the deteriorating political situation in the Middle East to exploring ways of enhancing cooperation between the Parliament of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Parliament of the Republic of Iran.
Dr Ghalibaf acknowledged the cordial relations that exist between Zimbabwe and Iran which date back to Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence to which Iran extended moral support.
The good relations have extended to the two legislatures, resulting in the establishment of an active Parliamentary Friendship Association. Mudenda extended his commiserations on the tragic loss of the President of Iran, His Excellency Ebrahim Raisi, in a helicopter crash in May 2024. He emphasized the need to upscale economic cooperation between the two countries in various sectors including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, mining, education and science and technology.
He also extended an invitation to the Speaker of Iran to visit Zimbabwe. Dr Ghalibaf concurred with Mudenda on the need for Zimbabwe and Iran to collaborate in the areas of health and education sectors. Meanwhile, Mudenda also met Sergei Rachkov, Chairman of the Standing Committee on International Affairs of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. Parliament said the meeting underscored the good relations that exist between the two countries, which continue to be strengthened.
“However, he pointed out a noticeable gap in Parliamentary relations which he deemed essential for the further enhancement of bilateral ties. He emphasized that while (the) Presidents of both countries have engaged in reciprocal visits that have deepened cooperation in various sectors of the economy, it is crucial to establish direct links between their respective Parliaments,” said Parliament.
To that end, Rachkov proposed the formation of a friendship association between the two Parliaments. Mudenda accepted the proposal to establish a Parliamentary Friendship Association, calling it a positive first step to furthering interaction and co-operation between the legislatures.
“Moreover, Speaker Mudenda expressed gratitude to Belarus for its assistance in modernizing Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, particularly through the supply of tractors and related farming equipment. He identified potential areas for investment in the mining, medical and in agro-industries, highlighting the criticality of diversifying and strengthening economic ties,” said Parliament.
He also proposed the promotion of academic exchanges aimed at fostering Science, Technology and Innovation, to which his counterpart pledged support.
New Ziana
