Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday met Zimbabwean diplomats on foreign mission to impress on them to need to advance the country’s development agenda as well as to stay vigilant and abreast of regional and global dynamics.
The meeting, which came at the end of the two week long Ministry of Foreign Affairs Senior Management and Ambassadors Retreat and Strategic Planning Review, was held at the State House.
President Mnangagwa urged the diplomats to always protect the country’s sovereignty and national interests as they execute their duties and functions. He said results at their respective posts will judge their performance and a casual and lackadaisical approach to business will not be condoned.
“We seek increased investments from your countries of accreditation, along with tourism and trade opportunities for the development and prosperity of our nation.
“The roadmap is already established within our foreign policy, let it guide your actions. Through our focus, unity, dedication and hard honest work, let us individually and collectively do our part to see Zimbabwe rise to its rightful place within the comity of nations,” he said.
President Mnangagwa pointed out that notable growth milestones are being recorded in spite of the illegal sanctions and impacts of climate change, particularly in agriculture, mining, education and infrastructure development.
He added that investments and partnerships from various jurisdictions which continue to grow and broaden are commendable. It is incumbent upon the diplomats, President Mnangagwa said, to develop and nurture complementary synergies with a cross section of investors and partners in their various stations for enhanced win-win benefits.
“These must extend to the quest for value addition of our abundant natural resources, agriculture products, as well as cooperation in our education sector and social services in general. “Breaking down silos by adopting a Whole-of-Economy and Society approach to leapfrog our modernisation and industrialisation remains critically important for achieving impactful results,” he said.
President Mnangawa expressed optimsim that future such gatherings will include highlights and recognition of the best performing missions, based on clearly stipulated criteria and outcomes.
New Ziana