Source: Zim confident of landing Security Council seat ahead of Wednesday’s vote – herald
Zimpapers Reporter
ZIMBABWE has entered the final days of an intensive lobbying campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), whose elections will be held on Wednesday.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, who is presently in New York ahead of the key vote, said the campaign had exceeded expectations by drawing support from regions such as the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe and the Americas.
“Zimbabwe has been warmly received,” Prof Murwira said in an interview.
“We are on very solid footing and looking forward to a positive election outcome on the 3rd of June.”
Zimbabwe, whose campaign theme is “Advancing 21st Century Solutions for Global Peace and Security through Multilateralism”, is seeking a non-permanent seat for the 2027-2028 term.
Harare’s candidature has already been endorsed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), representing a powerful foundation in a UN General Assembly vote where every member state casts a ballot.
“We are the sole candidate of the AU, which means we have the backing of 54 African countries,” Prof Murwira said.
“In addition, we are receiving support from the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas and the European region. Just this week (last week), a European country visited us specifically to express support for Zimbabwe’s bid.”
The lead-up to the June 3 elections will be characterised by bilateral meetings, joint candidate presentations and diplomatic receptions designed to introduce Zimbabwe’s foreign policy vision to a broad audience. “We continue holding meetings with fellow member states and candidates to deepen mutual understanding, conduct joint presentations and host joint receptions,” he said.
“The aim is to help the world better understand what Zimbabwe stands for.”
Zimbabwe’s campaign is premised on promoting multilateralism, especially in the wake of the growing global scepticism and disaffection around international institutions.
“The world is facing many challenges in the multilateral sphere,” he said.
“In some parts of the world, there is scepticism about the effectiveness of multilateral institutions. Zimbabwe believes strongly in the importance of multilateralism and inclusivity among all nations — big or small — guided by the principle of sovereign equality. Dialogue must always take precedence because diplomacy is supreme.”
Should Zimbabwe win the seat, Prof Murwira added, it would actively crusade for the respect of international law, peaceful coexistence among nations, as well as peaceful resolution of disputes.
Zimbabwe also believes that economic integration underpins lasting peace.
“Trade itself can serve as a powerful instrument of diplomacy because trade promotes cooperation and peace,” he said.
“President Mnangagwa laid out a strategy that we are following step by step, stone upon stone, leading up to the election on the 3rd of June.”
Prof Murwira also indicated that Zimbabwe’s Constitution is aligned with UN principles.
“We act according to values that are codified within our Constitution. This gives Zimbabwe a strong and consistent position in the international arena,” he said.
“Zimbabwe is ready to work with all members of the international community as a bridge-builder; ready to listen, engage and act through diplomacy for the common good.” The United Nations has 193 member states, all of which are eligible to vote in Wednesday’s election.
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