Members of the the diplomatic corps attached Zimbabwe joined by Zimbabwe Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador Frederick Shava for a group photo at the EU residence in Chisipiti, Harare
By Dickson Bandera
The European Union is enjoying cordial relations with the government of Zimbabwe and is impressed with the depth and richness of the collaboration, the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe, H.E. Jobst von Kirchmann has said.
Ambassador Kirchmann said this in his remarks at the European Union Day celebration held at the EU residence in Chisipiti on Friday the 12th of May 2023.
“I have been here for almost eight months, and during this time, I have witnessed first-hand the depth and richness of our collaboration,” he said.
“As you just saw in the video, together, we have accomplished a great deal. We have made progress in trade and investment, supported the private sector, and engaged in development cooperation as Team Europe aligned with the Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy. This has been possible because of our shared values and interests,” he added.
The EU is currently Zimbabwe’s major trade partner and is engaged in various developmental projects in the country, while providing a market fro Zimbabwe’s products, especially agricultural produce.
Relations between EU and Zimbabwe which started in 1982, took a downturn in February 2002 when the Council of the European Union imposed restrictive measures against individuals and companies that were considered responsible for human rights violations.
The measures included a travel ban, an asset freeze and an arms embargo, and have been gradually removed over recent years, also owing to the adoption of a new constitution and the improvement of the human rights situation.
But since 2018, the Emmerson Mnangagwa led government has set political dialogue as a top priority under its Engagement and Re-engagement policy and H. E Kirchmann spoke positively about this saying the process is not only about dialogue but also helps to build trust and unity.
“In our recent discussions, I have noticed a positive change. I feel like we all have a genuine desire to understand each other and to succeed together. We have stopped talking about each other, We are talking to each other. This is crucial in building trust, and trust will be an essential element in our partnership for succeeding together,” he said.
Ambassador Kirchmann also noted the efforts of the Zimbabwean government to design strategies and plans to measure success according to international indicators that cover essential governance aspects, such as democratic elections, civil society space, freedom of expression, assembly, and association, as well as the impartiality of the judicial system.
Speaking on the same occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Fredrick Shava acknowledged the commitment of the EU to positive engagement with Zimbabwe.
“My Government appreciates the European commitment to chart a new positive trajectory towards improving our relations. We appreciate Ambassador Jobst Von Kirchmann for these efforts and hope that will continue to enhance the relations between Government and the European Union for mutual benefit and for win-win outcomes,” he said.
Europe Day commemorates the signing of the ‘Schuman Declaration’ on 9 May 1950. This was an ambitious plan to secure long-term peace in post-war Europe that is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union.
The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, politicians, members of the civic society, artists, among others.
.
