By Staff Reporter
FOREIGN Affairs and International Trade Minister ,Professor Amon Murwira has committed to deploy the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat for constructive diplomacy.
Prof Murwira made the remarks while speaking to a Group for supporting Zimbabwe’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term last week.
“You have entrusted us with a solemn mandate to defend the Charter on the Council,” he said.
“As enshrined in section 12 (2) of our Constitution, we commit to respect of international law, peaceful coexistence and the peaceful resolution of international disputes within the auspices of the UN Charter.
“Zimbabwe is ready to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security in a dynamic world that has changed profoundly, but whose quest for principled multilateralism remains as urgent as ever.”
Prof Murwira said the country’s foreign policy doctrine of being “a friend to all and an enemy to none”, as enunciated by President Mnangagwa, reflected Zimbabwe’s belief that dialogue is stronger than division, co-operation is wiser than confrontation, and that the UN must remain the centre for harmonising the actions of nations.
“We commit to be a principled, constructive and reliable partner who will work with all stakeholders to build bridges and to promote consensus.
“Your continued support remains essential for Zimbabwe to contribute meaningfully towards the maintenance of international peace and upholding the values and principles of the Charter,” he said.
Prof Murwira also challenged UN member states to reaffirm the importance of upholding the UN Charter, its purposes and principles, protecting international law and promoting multilateralism.
“For Zimbabwe, effective multilateralism, as enshrined in Article 2 (1) of the Charter of the UN, rests on the sovereign equality of member States, as well as the respect for non-interference in their internal affairs.
“It entails the peaceful settlement of disputes and provides a framework for collective action to address global challenges and advance shared prosperity and sustainable development.
“It is for these reasons that this Group remains important to the work of the UN. Now more than ever, the world needs member States committed to the defence of the Charter of the UN, its purposes and principles, the upholding of international law and the promotion of genuine multilateralism,” he said.
The meeting is being attended by representatives from 18 countries, including Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, China, Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, the Sao People’s Democratic Republic, Mali, Nicaragua, Palestine, the Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Syria and Venezuela. The Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations is an 18-member grouping established in July 2021 at the UN headquarters in New York and later in 2023 at the UN in Geneva
