Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe sincerely desires to strengthen, deepen and broaden co-operation between the Government and the European Union, a senior Government official said on Thursday.
Addressing delegates attending the Zimbabwe – European Union Partnership Dialogue in the capital, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Albert Chimbindi said the meeting provided a fresh impetus to the relations between Zimbabwe and the EU, as a bloc, and between Zimbabwe and individual EU countries.
“This new Partnership Dialogue, offers prospects for constructive engagement on a number of areas, to foster sustainable development for our mutual benefit. With the benefit of hindsight, we should avoid the pitfalls of the past if we are to succeed in what we want to do.” “There is always need to have a shared understanding of the scope of the Dialogue, clarity on where we are coming from and the intended destination,” said Chimbindi.
He emphasized that the very idea of a partnership dialogue denotes common interests, shared values, mutual respect for each other and equality, principles he said should underpin the engagement process.
Zimbabwe, he said, is a friend to all and an enemy to none and is also open for business, adding that these words are not slogans, but the guiding principles of the country’s diplomatic engagements and practice.
He said the government had committed to steering the country towards an empowered and prosperous Upper-Middle Income Society by 2030 and in doing so counts on the support of its EU partners towards this noble endeavour.
“Let me hasten to add that Zimbabwe engages with the rest of the world as an equal partner. We have something to offer which others including the EU, desire.
“We note the existing Zimbabwe-EU trade relations which are enshrined in the EU-ESA Free Trade Agreement (EPA). Zimbabwe has enjoyed a positive trade balance. The EU-ESA EPA, also includes, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles. He paid tribute to the Zimbabwe-EU trade relations which are enshrined in the EU-ESA Free Trade Agreement (EPA) saying Zimbabwe has enjoyed a positive trade balance.
Speaking at the same event, European Union head of delegation to Zimbabwe, Jobst Kirchman said the European Union highly values the dialogue process and reaffirmed his ambition to continue deepening the constructive partnership between Zimbabwe and the EU, saying the dialogue provides an essential platform for frank and constructive exchanges on matters of shared interest, while also addressing issues where their views may differ. He said the EU was committed to promoting a strengthened relationship that opens doors to increased trade and investment in Zimbabwe.
“As we discuss topics of mutual interest today – ranging from the economic development, trade and investment, climate change and biodiversity, to human rights, governance and regional and global issues – we do so with the aim of fostering a balanced, respectful, and productive exchange,” Kirchman.
He said the broader global context in which the dialogue is taking place cannot be ignored, saying the Russia-Ukraine conflict had destabilized the international order and is a matter of great concern for the EU, as well as the conflict in Middle East and the ongoing conflicts on the African continent.
Kirchman said it is, therefore, crucial for all nations, including Zimbabwe, to work together towards upholding the principles of peace, sovereignty, and multilateralism that are fundamental to stability.
New Ziana