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Blessings Chidakwa-Herald Reporter

DIPLOMATIC postings must never be mistaken for holiday resorts but rather are platforms to deliver traceable results through upscaling trade relations that benefit Zimbabwe while increasing its global visibility, President Mnangagwa has said.

This is in tandem with the country’s foreign policy thrust which now includes the key pillar of international investments and is in congruence with the national vision to become an upper middle class economy by 2030.

As Zimbabwe continues to engage and re-engage all nations of the world, the President has reminded his Ambassadors that their country, despite being a friend to all and an enemy to none, is not a second class nation.

Spelling out his vision to the country’s Ambassadors and Consul Generals at State House in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa said it was the diplomats’ duty to popularise the country’s policies especially the “Zimbabwe is open for business mantra”.

As members of the diplomatic service, he said, they are a vital cog of his administration and through their individual and collective skills, as well as love for the country, Vision 2030 will be a reality.

“I, therefore, challenge you to work harder to produce tangible outcomes and results that impact on the overall growth of our country’s GDP and improved quality of life for our people.

“Diplomatic stations are not holiday resorts; you must work and deliver traceable results for the country. None but ourselves will build the Zimbabwe we all want. You must play your part,” President Mnangagwa said.

“Let us remain mindful that we are Zimbabweans in both thought and deeds. The Second Republic is about action and results. I expect to see increased investments, tourists and trade coming to Zimbabwe from your countries of accreditation.”

He said consolidating the country’s position as an independent and sovereign country that is marching towards a modern, industrialised and prosperous status must continue to be the main focus of diplomats as they return to their various stations.

“Our foreign policy remains deeply rooted on economic diplomacy, including building strong alliances at both bilateral and multilateral levels, boosting the country’s attractiveness by building its positive image to the outside world, increasing global visibility and strengthening capacity and resource mobilisation,” the President said.

“As we consolidate these successes, you our diplomats have a duty to continue popularising and defending our policies and programmes, particularly that ‘Zimbabwe is open for business.’ Never be apologetic about who we are as Zimbabweans.”

President Mnangagwa urged the diplomats to continue engaging with countries in the comity of nations with a sense of vigour, always advancing Zimbabwe’s national interests.

“We should continue to consolidate our relations and open new economic frontiers for mutually beneficial co-operation. In doing this, you should be alert to the ever-changing regional, continental and global dynamics. The agenda towards removal of illegal sanctions is also critical,” he said.

“By representing Zimbabwe, you carry the weighty responsibility to shape how we are perceived by the world at large. I am confident that through your commitment, dedication, consistency and hard honest work, we shall see the rise of our country to its rightful place among nations.

“It is your supreme mandate as diplomats to increase the country’s global visibility by way of facilitating and building strong alliances at both bilateral and multilateral levels.”

President Mnangagwa said diplomats must always tell the true Zimbabwean story, which embodies the country’s vision, values, culture, hopes and aspirations.

The Head of State and Government said Zimbabweans are a unique and proud people, descendants of the Great Munhumutapa Empire and shall forever remain an independent, free and sovereign nation.

“We fought for democracy, we respect our rich liberation war heritage, and we have a clear vision for our future and what we want to accomplish as a people. Those that deal with us must be willing to respect this fact.

“This position must always be emphatic among our diplomats. Stand tall with your heads high, wherever you go,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is marching into a prosperous and a brighter future, as a united and peaceful people, guided by the development philosophy, “Nyika inovakwa, igotongwa, igonamatirwa, nevene vayo, Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo”.

“Zimbabwe is not a second-class nation, or a province or colony of any country, No. Those that make noises from various quarters as if we are part of their countries are delusional and must wake up to reality,” he said.

In line with achieving an upper middle-income society by 2030, President Mnangagwa said diplomats should defend and popularise the country’s policies, which have seen the Second Republic scoring successes in innovation, agriculture, mining, infrastructure and tourism, ICTs and health, among other fields.

“In addition, political and legislative reforms are ongoing. My Government is also continuously instituting policies to stabilise prices and grow the economy. This has ensured confidence across the socio-economic spheres,” he said.

The President said Government business will be anchored by the whole economy and society approach to development to leapfrog the modernisation and industrialisation of the country.

“Under this approach, let us leverage on the various comparative advantages that our country is fully endowed with, while enhancing our competitiveness and accelerating economic growth.

“In the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind, you have a duty to work with Zimbabwean nationals in the diaspora. Their invaluable contribution in the modernisation and industrialisation of our economy is critical,” he said.

Acting Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said the interaction was held timeously coming against the backdrop of a resounding, indisputable win in the just ended harmonised elections.

“We are fortunate that your re-election into office has served as a strategic dividend for Zimbabwe to continue on the upward trajectory of infrastructural development, revival of industry, judiciary transformation, social cohesion and national healing,” she said.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Permanent Secretary Ambassador James Manzou said under the Second Republic, it has become a tradition for diplomats to come home and receive instructions with regards to the country’s foreign policy trajectory for the upcoming year.

“The ambassadors and consul generals are now well informed to articulate the direction of the party (Zanu PF) and the Government at their various stations,” he said.

Dean of Zimbabwe’s Ambassadors, who is also Zimbabwe’s chief diplomat to Ghana, Ambassador Kufa Chinoza, said through the President’s policy of engagement and re-engagement, Zimbabwe is no longer an isolated country but now an equal respected member of the comity of nations on the international stage.

“Through our combined efforts we believe Zimbabwe will be a force to reckon with. Regularly we get updates from head office of the programmes being implemented at home,” he said.

“Your Excellency your ambassadors are convinced that the country is well on its way to achieving Vision 2028 as you pronounced at the Zanu PF Annual National People’s Conference that the Vision (2030) will now be achieved two years early,” he said.

Ambassador Chinoza also took time to congratulate President Mnangagwa on his re-election and thanked him for according the greatest honour of national hero to the late Ambassador to the DRC Johannes Tomana.

The ambassadors and consul generals have been in the country for the past two weeks. They had various engagements including attending the 20th Zanu PF Annual National People’s Conference in Gweru before proceeding to a retreat in Masvingo.