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Herald Reporter
Five newly appointed ambassadors to Zimbabwe yesterday presented their credentials to President Mugabe at State House in Harare and pledged to work towards furthering bilateral relations. First to present his credentials was Ghana’s new ambassador, Mr Sylvanus Tettey-Tamaklo, who said it was time that the two countries maximised their longstanding relationship.

“Zimbabwe and Ghana are in good relations,” he said. “They are like siblings. It is high time that the two countries benefit from that relationship. We will sit down and see what areas we can co-operate for the good of our two countries.”

Second to present his credentials was Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See, Reverend Mons Marek Zalewski, who said he was charged with ensuring good relations between the Vatican and Government.

“Traditionally, the Vatican diplomacy is to keep good relations with local and central government and to collaborate with Bishops of the Catholic Church,” he said.

The new Vietnamese Ambassador, Mr Ley Huy Hoang, said the two countries could trade in rice, seafood and cotton.
He expressed his country’s desire to have President Mugabe visit his country and commended Zimbabwe, saying it was endowed with mineral resources.

“We want to export seafood,” said Mr Hoang. “It is one of the areas the President thinks we can co-operate. We want Zimbabwe to grow rice. We are prepared to receive agricultural experts to Vietnam to implement this kind of development.”

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea newly appointed ambassador Mr Jo Yong Man said the two countries had strong bilateral relations in varied spheres.

“We have longstanding relations with Zimbabwe in political, economic and cultural spheres,” he said.
“We have discussed (with the President) ways and means to further develop the existing relationship. I am sure that I will do my best in further developing our relations.

“We have a lot of things to do in the area of health. Health is very important for ordinary people and I am sure that I will do something in that.”
Lesotho Ambassador Mrs Eveline Malejaka Letooane commended Sadc for being one of the few regional blocs that have registered a lot of progress in addressing challenges of individual countries.

“A lot of achievements have been made,” she said.
“We have not been like this before. What we need is to continue working hard for the good of our young people and the future generation.”
The ceremony was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and Secretary Ambassador Joey Bimha.