Zimpapers Logo

Addressing military officers at the Zimbabwe Staff College on Tuesday, Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe would continue to uphold the fundamental principles of peace, stability and tranquility as enshrined in the United Nations and African Union charters.

He said the country carries a forward-looking, non-aggressive and non-hostile defence policy based on maintenance of a minimum credible deterrent capability.

“The country’s defence policy has, therefore, always adhered to the strictest confines of the legal principles, precepts and normative rules of our domestic legislation.

“The policy prioritises the country’s domestic stability and the prevention of external aggression.

“As such, the army will do everything to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and economic independence,” he said.

He said in the spirit of non-interference, Zimbabwe advocates preventive diplomacy in her interaction with sovereign states, even in the time of crises.

“To this end, the country has always observed the cardinal principle of exhausting diplomatic contacts before disputes erupt to into conflicts.

“Zimbabwe does not aspire to develop any weapon of mass destruction while its defence policy places great emphasis on sound management of military establishment and its defence resources.”

He said that over the years Zimbabwe had tried to promote meaningful civil-military interaction to promote social and economic development.

“Along with other assistance programmes associated with land reforms, drought relief and disaster management, these activities have helped to bring to the fore the defence forces’ direct and strong partnership with the civil community which they hail.”

He said in order to bring about regional peace and security, Zimbabwe was involved in the creation, training and maintenance of a regional standby brigade.