Foreign Affairs Minister embarks on regional tour

Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Frederick Shava on Tuesday set out on a three-nation tour aimed at meeting regional counterparts and strengthening bilateral relations.

Ambassador Shava, formerly, Zimbabwe’s representative to the United Nations, took over the portfolio in March following the death of then minister, Sibusiso Moyo in January.

The minister’s first introductory tour will see him visit Botswana, then Namibia and South Africa from May 18 to 21.

“The visits, a first in his capacity as the foreign minister, will accord the minister the opportunity to exchange views with his counterparts on the status of, and strengthening bilateral relations,” said Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Constance Chemwayi.

“They will also exchange views on regional, continental and international issues of common interest.”

During the Namibia visit, Shava will co-chair the Sixth Zimbabwe-Namibia Joint Permanent Commission with his counterpart, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

“The minster will sign the agreement on the establishment of a Bi-National Commission,” Chemwayi said.
“This agreement will change the Joint Commission to a Bi-National Commission (BNC) which is chaired at the Heads of State and Government level.”

Cooperation between Harare and the other two countries – Botswana and South Africa – is already at BNC level.

“The visits are affirmation of the government’s policy of engagement and re-engagement and are also a platform to seek trade and investment opportunities for Zimbabwe,” the spokesperson said.
New Ziana