Source: Zimbabwe urges EU to lift remaining sanctions – herald
Gibson Nyikadzino
Zimpapers Politics Hub
GOVERNMENT yesterday reiterated calls for the unconditional removal of sanctions in their broad totality by the European Union (EU) on Zimbabwe to enable the country to participate fully in the maintenance of global peace and security.
This comes as the two parties move towards rapprochement under the enduring doctrine of friend to all and enemy to none.
Acting Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Frederick Shava made the remarks at the EU National Day in Harare, where he expressed Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening ties with the EU, including under the Economic Partnership Agreement, for sustainable and mutually beneficial exchanges.
“While we acknowledge the removal of all remaining EU sanctions on Zimbabwe, the arms embargo continues to be the elephant in the room. We, therefore, call for the unconditional removal of the embargo to facilitate and enable Zimbabwe to participate fully in the maintenance of global peace and security.
“I reiterate Zimbabwe’s readiness to collaborate with the EU for mutual benefit,” Dr Shava said.
Dr Shava said Zimbabwe is ready and committed to contributing to international peace and security, and is counting on the invaluable support of the EU ahead of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) elections next month, where Zimbabwe is a candidate for a non-permanent member seat.
Zimbabwe, with the backing of the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), is the sole candidate for the continent, having previously served in the UNSC between 1983–1984 and 1991–1992.
Dr Shava also extended Zimbabwe’s gratitude for the support it has received from individual EU countries and other member states that have already expressed their support for Zimbabwe’s candidature.
EU Head of Delegation to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Katrin Hagemann, said the two partners were connected by history and people, hence their relationship continues to evolve, grounded in mutual respect and shared commitment in a world facing challenges.
“In this context, let me recall that the EU remains committed to a rules-based international order where the power of law prevails over the law of the strongest, and to multilateralism, working with partners such as the United Nations to address shared challenges.
“In today’s interconnected world, the challenges we face, such as climate change, economic uncertainty, food security, or technological transformation, do not stop at borders. Co-operation is therefore not a choice, but a necessity,” Ambassador Hagemann said.
Europe Day this year celebrates 76 years of peace and unity since the 1950 Schuman Declaration. The event was attended by senior ZANU PF and Government officials, diplomats, representatives from civil society organisations, political parties and the private sector.
The post Zimbabwe urges EU to lift remaining sanctions appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.