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Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent

THE European Union (EU) is set to strengthen its renewed bilateral relationship with Zimbabwe, EU special representative Mr Eamon Gilmore has said.

The development comes after President Mnangagwa’s commitment in 2017 at the inception of the Second Republic that re-engaging and mending relations with countries in Europe, which imposed sanctions since 2002, was a priority call.

Speaking after a meeting between the EU delegation and Zanu PF Politburo members at the ruling party headquarters in Harare, Mr Gilmore said they were keen on deepening relations for the benefit of Zimbabwe and the EU.

“We have had a very good and frank discussion about the European Union’s wish as expressed by the Harare representative to create constructive relations between the European Union and Zimbabwe,” he said. “We will always be part of that renewed relationship.

“It is a relationship that I think we both have to commit to working on. We see the forthcoming elections next year as a critical ground for Zimbabwe, but also for the relationship between the European Union and Zimbabwe. We do not take sides in elections, but we would want to say we wish you well.”

Zanu PF secretary for finance Cde Patrick Chinamasa said the party was happy that the EU was keen on strengthening relations with Zimbabwe.

“I think when you (EU delegation) leave this building you will have no doubt of what the position of Zanu PF is on a wider range of issues,” he said.

“That is how it should be as we build this relationship and I want to accept your commitment and your promise that you are going to work very hard to improve the relationship and we will do our part.

“As I mentioned before, our President’s policy is to engage and re-engage. Engage because we want to be friends to all and an enemy to none.

“We are excited when you come on a very positive step to improve our bilateral relations and you will not find us wanting, so we urge you now that Brexit took place, we are now free from the shackles of British influence and imperialism.”

Cde Chinamasa said EU and Zimbabwe relations will improve more rapidly where Zimbabwe will no longer have to talk about sanctions and any civil society that EU supports are not regime change agents of any foreign governments.

“The EU members are critical shareholders of the World Bank,” he said.

“They have the IFC (International Finance Corporation), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and they constitute 40 percent of the non-regional members of the African Development Bank.

“I would want to, as I have already mentioned, say that sanctions are a gross violation of human rights; they destroy the livelihoods of people. I would want to put your word so that we regain our relationship with those international institutions.”

Mr Gilmore said he hoped the improved relationship between the EU and Zimbabwe would provide leadership to international communities.

“You are aware that the European Union is a shareholder in the World Bank and a major supporter and contributor to international financial institutions,” he said.

“We hope that the improved relationship between the European Union and Zimbabwe, for which indeed the United Nations rapporteur that they have raised to the European Union, will provide leadership to international communities and what we want to improve the relationship between European Union and Zimbabwe.”