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Zimbabwe, EU seek to rebuild ties
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Zimbabwe and the European Union (EU) have expressed a shared commitment to restore their relationship to the cooperative levels seen before years of political and economic tensions, according to Foreign Affairs and International Trade Permanent Secretary Ambassador Albert Chimbindi.
Speaking at the first session of the Zimbabwe-EU Partnership Dialogue in Harare under the Samoa Agreement - successor to the Cotonou Agreement - Ambassador Chimbindi emphasized the importance of renewed engagement.
"The main point we would emphasize is that Zimbabwe and the EU need to return to the relationship we had before the challenges we have been facing. We cannot remain stuck in the past," he said.
Reclaiming Zimbabwe's Position
The dialogue aligns with Zimbabwe's broader strategy to reposition itself as a favorable investment destination, a status it enjoyed prior to the controversial land reform program initiated in the early 2000s. The program, aimed at addressing colonial-era land inequities, sparked tensions with Britain and other European nations.
"Zimbabwe deeply appreciates and desires to strengthen, deepen, and broaden cooperation between the Government and the European Union," Ambassador Chimbindi stated.
He reiterated Zimbabwe's openness to business and collaboration, adding, "Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none. These are not slogans but guiding principles of our diplomatic engagements and practice."
EU's Commitment
EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr. Jobst Von Kirchmann, described the discussions as productive, highlighting the convergence of shared goals between the two parties.
"We had an extremely good discussion and a pretty open discussion over a multitude of topics. We figured out that we basically want the same thing," he said.
Ambassador Von Kirchmann also reaffirmed the EU's support for Zimbabwe's ongoing Structured Dialogue Platform on Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution, a critical step in addressing the country's financial challenges.
The renewed dialogue signals progress in Zimbabwe-EU relations, which have seen gradual improvement in recent years. Both parties aim to leverage this momentum to foster economic growth, address mutual concerns, and enhance diplomatic cooperation.
Speaking at the first session of the Zimbabwe-EU Partnership Dialogue in Harare under the Samoa Agreement - successor to the Cotonou Agreement - Ambassador Chimbindi emphasized the importance of renewed engagement.
"The main point we would emphasize is that Zimbabwe and the EU need to return to the relationship we had before the challenges we have been facing. We cannot remain stuck in the past," he said.
Reclaiming Zimbabwe's Position
The dialogue aligns with Zimbabwe's broader strategy to reposition itself as a favorable investment destination, a status it enjoyed prior to the controversial land reform program initiated in the early 2000s. The program, aimed at addressing colonial-era land inequities, sparked tensions with Britain and other European nations.
"Zimbabwe deeply appreciates and desires to strengthen, deepen, and broaden cooperation between the Government and the European Union," Ambassador Chimbindi stated.
He reiterated Zimbabwe's openness to business and collaboration, adding, "Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none. These are not slogans but guiding principles of our diplomatic engagements and practice."
EU's Commitment
EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr. Jobst Von Kirchmann, described the discussions as productive, highlighting the convergence of shared goals between the two parties.
"We had an extremely good discussion and a pretty open discussion over a multitude of topics. We figured out that we basically want the same thing," he said.
Ambassador Von Kirchmann also reaffirmed the EU's support for Zimbabwe's ongoing Structured Dialogue Platform on Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution, a critical step in addressing the country's financial challenges.
The renewed dialogue signals progress in Zimbabwe-EU relations, which have seen gradual improvement in recent years. Both parties aim to leverage this momentum to foster economic growth, address mutual concerns, and enhance diplomatic cooperation.
Source - The Herald
