Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
SADC Ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe yesterday held a maiden meeting with newly-appointed Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira where they reiterated their call for the removal of sanctions slapped on Zimbabwe by Western powers.
The call was made by Angolan Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Agostinho Tavares da Silva Neto, who is the Dean of Sadc Ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe.
Prof Murwira was appointed to the Foreign Affairs portfolio in October, replacing Ambassador Frederick Shava.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe for extending an invitation to us to attend this important introductory meeting,” Ambassador Neto said.
“As Sadc Ambassadors Group accredited to Zimbabwe, we appreciate and commend this initiative which confirms the continued desire to promote direct interaction with us on matters of mutual interest.
“To this end, we would like to use this opportunity to express our strong desire to continue working closely with the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe and reiterate our support on the removal of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, among other issues.”
The Ambassadors also took the opportunity to congratulate President Mnangagwa for assuming the Chairmanship of Sadc in August.
At its Summit in 2018, Sadc declared October 25 as the Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Day to amplify calls for the removal of illegal Western-imposed sanctions that have devastated the country’s economy.
In his remarks, Prof Murwira hailed the strong relations within the region.
“Your presence today testifies the good relations, excellent relations that exist between our countries and your personal commitment as Ambassadors to strengthen these ties.
“For Zimbabwe, Sadc is our priority, as indicated in Section 12, Subsection 2 of our Constitution, which exalts us to promote regional integration.
“So, by Constitution and by wanting to do it, and by being excited to be part of Sadc, we are very happy to be here, not only by law, but by being excited to be part of this team. We share the same history and culture in our meeting today (yesterday).
“We cherish the historic bonds of friendship between our countries, our fraternal support and unwavering solidarity that we continue to enjoy as a region, in the Sadc region, including our quest for independence, freedom and dignity,” Prof Murwira said.
He added that yesterday’s engagement came shortly after the conclusion of the Extraordinary Summit of Sadc Heads of State and Government held in Harare on November 20 that reinvigorated solidarity and collective commitment to the consolidation of peace and security in the Sadc region, particularly for the restoration of peace and normalcy in DRC.
“We are confident that the decision taken by our Heads of State and Government to extend the mandate of the Sadc Mission in the DRC will assist towards finding a lasting solution to the conflict in that region,” Prof Murwira said.
He added that it was important for Sadc countries to work together to build the Sadc they want as it was the responsibility of its citizens to develop it.
