Dorcas Rumano/ Tendai Matunhu

The formal political dialogue between Zimbabwe and the European Union (EU) was officially launched today in Harare.

Speaking during the launch, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador James Manzou said the political dialogue was part of Zimbabwe’s re-engagement process.

He said, “This event that brings us together, marks another milestone in the Government’s re-engagement efforts and indeed in the strengthening of relations between Zimbabwe and EU.

“As you are all aware, re-engagement with EU is one of the foreign policy priorities of the Government of republic of Zimbabwe. Looking back on the informal exchanges that we have held, but together we have laid the groundwork for a frank and constructive engagement on all issues aimed at further strengthening our relations.

“Through vision 2030, the Government under the leadership of His Excellency, the President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) has committed to steer this country to an upper middle income status by 2030. This is a huge task but one that we believe is doable. We continue to count on the support of our EU partners in this noble endeavour.

“As we will discuss today, and in the future, the Government is already making significant strides in political and economic reforms that are key to creating a conducive environment for business and importantly to improving the lives of the people of Zimbabwe.”

He added that the relations between Zimbabwe and EU would help to actualise vision 2030 for the well-being of the people of Zimbabwe. The Permanent Secretary said that stronger and prosperous Zimbabwe would also be beneficial for the EU as this would broaden and deepen areas of mutual co-operation, as the two exchange views on the agreed priority areas namely economic development, trade and investment, climate change and its humanitarian impact, human rights, democratisation, rule of law and good governance, development cooperation and regional and international cooperation.

“Let us engage in a forward looking, frank and constructive spirit. We should never be afraid or tackling hard issues in our relationship, but we should also always endeavour to build bridges and find a common ground on such matters. We should not fail in fulfilling the mandate that our principals have given us. I’m convinced that dialogue is the best way to strengthen our relations and to build a deeper and clearer understanding of each other’s views, priorities, values and interests.”

On the other hand, co-chairperson and EU Head of delegation, Ambassador Timo Olkkonen said, “We hope the formal political dialogue will from now on become an integral part of the relationship between EU and the Republic of Zimbabwe. This should provide a useful platform to exchange views and topics that are of common interests and identify areas where we can deepen our relations.

“It also provides a forum to exchange views on issues that we might not agree upon and foster mutual understanding. Our commitment is to a relationship that we are building together. The Government of Zimbabwe has been clear that significant political and economic reforms are necessary for the benefit of its country. The EU is there to support Zimbabwe move ahead with its reform agenda.”

Zimbabwe is currently working on its economic and political reforms with re-engagement as its top priority.

In attendance were Ambassadors from some of the EU countries namely, Italy, Ireland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Britain, Belgium and Romania.