Deliver tangible results, President Mnangagwa tells Zim diplomats.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday challenged Zimbabwe’s ambassadors to work hard in their diplomatic postings and produce tangible results which improve the livelihood of ordinary citizens.

Addressing the diplomats who were in the country for the past fortnight, he told the diplomats they would be assessed, performance wise, on delivery of traceable results. “As members of our diplomatic service, you are a vital cog of my administration. Through your individual and collective skills, as well as love for our country, Vision 2030 must be a reality,” he said.

“I, therefore, challenge you to work harder to produce tangible outcomes and results that impact on the overall growth of our country’s GDP and improve the quality of life for our people. Diplomatic stations are not holiday resorts; you must work and deliver traceable results for the country.

None but ourselves will build the Zimbabwe we all want. You must play your part,” President Mnangagwa said. He added: “Let us remain mindful that we are Zimbabweans in both thought and deeds. The Second Republic is about action and results. I expect to see increased investments, tourists and trade coming to Zimbabwe from your countries of accreditation”.

He reminded the ambassadors of their responsibility to defend the government’s policies and programmes in foreign lands. “As we consolidate these successes, you our diplomats have a duty to continue popularising and defending our policies and programmes, particularly that ‘Zimbabwe is open for business. Never be apologetic about who we are as Zimbabweans,” President Mnangagwa said.

“Always tell our true Zimbabwean story, which embodies our vision, values, culture, hopes and aspirations. Stand tall with your heads high, wherever you go. Zimbabwe is not a second class nation, or a province or colony of any country. No. Those that make noise from various quotas as if we are part of their countries are delusional and must wake up to reality,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said consolidating Zimbabwe’s position as an independent and sovereign people moving towards a modern, industrialised and prosperous status must continue to be the main focus.

“To this end, and guided by our diplomatic philosophy of Zimbabwe is a friend to all and enemy to none, I urge you to continue engaging with countries in the comity of nations with a sense of vigour, always advancing our national interests. We should continue to consolidate our relations and open new economic frontiers for mutually beneficial cooperation,” he said.

“In doing this, you should be alert to the ever-changing regional, continental and global dynamics. The agenda towards removal of the illegal sanctions is also critical,” said President Mnangagwa.

He said his government’s policy thrust is anchored on the Whole of Economy and Society Approach to Development approach. “Under this approach, let us leverage on the various comparative advantages that our country is fully endowed with, while enhancing our competitiveness and accelerating economic growth,” he said.

“In the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind, you have a duty to work with Zimbabwean nationals in the Diaspora. Their invaluable contribution in the modernisation and industrialisation of our economy is critical,” he said.

President Mnangagwa reiterated that the ambassadors’ top responsibility was to represent Zimbabwe in matters related to national interests. “By representing Zimbabwe, you carry the weighty responsibility to shape how we are perceived by the world at large. The ambassadors were in the country for a retreat and strategic review meetings.

New Ziana