Harare (New Ziana) –Outgoing British and Swiss ambassadors to Zimbabwe, Peter Vowles and Stephane Rey respectively, on Friday paid courtesy calls on President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the State House to bid him farewell.
Speaking after the meeting, Vowles, whose tour of duty as ambassador to Zimbabwe began in 2023, congratulated the country on being voted into the United Nations Security Council.
He said the development presents a great opportunity for Zimbabwe to amplify the voice of Africa on many critical global issues.
Vowles further said the thawing of relations between Harare and London is an indication of the shared desire two nations to strengthen diplomatic ties despite the disagreements of the past.
He said Britain remains open for further dialogue with Zimbabwe on issues of mutual interest and cooperation.
Vowles, who once taught in Mudzi district, Mashonaland East province a long time ago, expressed his gratitude to the people of Zimbabwe for their warmth and hospitality over the many years that he has been in and out of the country, serving in various capacities.
Authorities have described Vowles as a “very rooted and mature diplomat, saying he went far in his diplomatic pursuits by electing to pursue quiet diplomacy.
“He leaves a country which greatly valued his dignified style of engagement,” said deputy chief secretary for Presidential Communications George Charamba, noting that Britain voted for Zimbabwe to occupy the UN Security Council non-permanent seat for 2027 to 2028.
Also speaking after meeting President Mnangagwa, Rey, who has been in the country since 2022, praised the warm relations that exist between Harare and Bern.
His tenure in Zimbabwe saw the launch of numerous initiatives in support of various sectors which include SSADZA, the Swiss Support for Arts Development in Zimbabwe.
Rey noted that Switzerland is the biggest European foreign direct investor in Zimbabwe, and that it supported Zimbabwe’s successful journey in the abolition of the death penalty.
New Ziana
