Government hails ties with Nicaragua

Harare (New Ziana) – The opening of the Nicaraguan Embassy in Harare testifies to growing relations between the two countries, rooted in solidarity, particularly in the fight against unilateral coercive measures imposed on both countries by the West, a senior government official has said.

Speaking at the official opening of the Nicaraguan Embassy in Harare on Tuesday, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Shelia Chikomo said both countries are members of like-minded international groups such as the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Zimbabwe, and on my own behalf, I wish to express our gratitude to His Excellency President Daniel Ortega Saavedra, for his decision to establish a Resident Mission in our country,” she said. “The opening, also, symbolizes Nicaragua’s increased foreign policy focus on Africa, which we fully appreciate.”

Chikomo said the Government continues to hold Nicaragua and its principled leadership in very high esteem and will always cherish the strong bonds of friendship that exist between the two countries and peoples. She added that there was a need and urgency of exploring ways of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in areas such as mining, agriculture, education, security, among others.

“Our bilateral economic, technical and cultural co-operation is still to reach the level we both expect it to be at. The opening of the Embassy could not have thus come at a better time.

It opens up many possibilities for deepening and broadening trade and commercial exchanges through the promotion of investment opportunities, the establishment of co-operation in scientific and technical fields, and the creation of people-to-people linkages, collaboration in the domains of culture and tourism.

Zimbabwe is keen to open a new era of multi-sector, multi-level collaboration with Nicaragua,” she said. Chikomo said the Government of Zimbabwe acknowledges the receipt, with appreciation, of the invitation for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to join the Government and people of Nicaragua at the 45th Sandinista Revolution Independence Celebrations on 19 July 2024.

Speaking at the same occasion, the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Nicaragua to the Republic of Zimbabwe, her Excellency Nadesca Imara Cuthbert Carlson, said the opening of the embassy was not merely the establishment of a physical presence, but a testament to the historical friendship and partnership between Nicaragua and Zimbabwe.

She added that the two countries had made remarkable progress driven by the principles of social justice, human development, economic empowerment, infrastructural transformation and environmental sustainability. “We have continued to strengthen our cooperation with innovation, technology and alliances in potentially important sectors such as agriculture, mining, education, and healthcare,” she said.

“These achievements are an inspiration to all, despite the adverse situations, both our countries face such as the imposition, the oppression and aggressive punitive measures by external powers, commonly known as sanctions, we have demonstrated remarkable resilience, steadfast commitment to our sovereignty and self-determination as we have reinvented, reengaged and strengthen our policies towards the vision of development for both our nations,” she said.

New Ziana