By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have deepened their diplomatic and economic partnership after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a framework for regular political consultations between the two countries.
The agreement, announced by the Government on Thursday, is expected to provide a more structured mechanism for Harare and Abu Dhabi to engage on bilateral, regional and international issues while complementing ongoing efforts to expand economic cooperation.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira signed the agreement on behalf of Zimbabwe, alongside delegates representing the UAE.
The government said the MoU would create “a structured platform for regular dialogue and closer cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels.”
The development comes as the two countries continue negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a broader economic pact that is expected to strengthen trade, investment and market access between Zimbabwe and the UAE.
The Government said the two tracks of engagement – political consultations and economic negotiations – were reinforcing a wider relationship in which diplomacy is increasingly being linked to trade and investment opportunities.
“For Zimbabwe, stronger UAE relations can open more opportunities for investment, exports, tourism, infrastructure development, technology, skills and business partnerships,” it said, adding that such cooperation could create avenues for employment and wider economic participation.
The UAE has emerged as an important economic partner for Zimbabwe, with bilateral trade reported to have risen significantly in recent years.
The proposed CEPA is expected to provide a more comprehensive framework for commercial engagement, including greater market access and opportunities for investment and business cooperation.
Beyond commerce, the new political consultations framework is also expected to facilitate closer coordination on matters of common interest at international forums.
The government said Zimbabwe and the UAE would strengthen coordination on international issues,” including through the United Nations Security Council.”
It said Zimbabwe’s approach aims to turn stronger relations into practical opportunities and tangible benefits for the country..
The political consultations MoU and the ongoing CEPA negotiations consequently mark parallel strands of a broader Zimbabwe-UAE engagement, with the two governments seeking to move beyond diplomatic relations towards structured economic and international cooperation.
New Ziana
