Ruzvidzo in ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar
THE Sadc Council of Ministers has taken 82 decisions ranging from foundational issues to those regarding integration and visa exemptions across the region, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira has said.
Speaking to the media following the conclusion of the SADC Council of Ministers here yesterday, Prof Murwira, who is the outgoing Chair of the Council, said the decisions would now be deliberated by the Heads of State and Government during their 45th Summit on Sunday.
“This time, we really focused on the issue that SADC was formed for a reason and SADC was formed from real conviction that Africa can make it, because it’s born out of the Frontline States, it’s born out of shared blood, it’s born out of shared trenches and now it’s time to build the pillars that range from industrialisation to infrastructure development, to the human capital issues, so that we are an integrated region that speaks and does the work,” he said.
“Because it is very important that we do what we write and we write what we do . . . so we actually, in this meeting, wrote what we do, working the writing.
“So, we are going to put forward these decisions to their Excellencies during their summit on Sunday. We have done their draft agenda and they are going to meet on Sunday and modify and adopt the proposals that we have made to them.”
Prof Murwira said the Council of Ministers had applauded Zimbabwe for a stellar job during its tenure as Chair of SADC, including its leading role in championing peace efforts in Eastern DRC.
Zimbabwe, under the guidance of President Mnangagwa, had led with its mind, hands and attitude, towards a prosperous Southern African region.
Added Prof Murwira: “We cannot mark our own assignment, but what I can only say is that Zimbabwe is a Pan-African country.
“Zimbabwe always gives its best to Africa. Every time we are dealing with SADC issues, with African issues, we do that with our minds, with our hands and with our attitude, in a positive direction.
“One of the issues that was worked on during President Mnangagwa’s Chairmanship was the issue of peace in the Eastern DRC; the innovation of taking two blocs to which DRC belongs, so that we sit together on one table and chart a way forward.”
In her closing remarks, the new Chair of the Council, Madagascar’s Foreign Minister Dr Rafaravavitafika Rasata, rallied members States behind her country’s Chairmanship upon being handed over the reins this Sunday.
“My voice alone cannot move any mountains; it is together that we will build and consolidate our common objectives.
“It is our countries’ diversity and the complementarity of our economy (as SADC). Each of our countries should contribute fully to our region.”
“As Chair of the Council, I have seen to it that each and every voice be heard and each opinion taken into consideration,” she said.
The Madagascan Minister borrowed from President Mnangagwa’s book, that no country should be left behind as the region embarks on its transformative journey.
“I affirm my full commitment . . . no country big or small should be left behind. At 45 years old, it is high time that we take stock and adjust in order to better take up the upcoming challenges.
“We are anchoring more and more in our fundamental values,” said Dr Rasata, who described the deliberations during the Council of Ministers as frank and fruitful.
As per the schedule, the SADC Organ Troika Senior Officials Meeting on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and the Ministerial Committee of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation will convene today, while the Summit of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation will be held tomorrow, ahead of the Summit of Heads of State the following day.
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