Zim, EU bury the hatchet . . . strive to cultivate deeper ties
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
THE once hostile relations between Zimbabwe and the European union (EU) are now on an even keel, thanks to the frank and partner-centred relationship cultivated since the advent of the Second Republic.
This was said by outgoing EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann, when he paid a farewell courtesy call on the President at State House in Harare, where the two took stock of how relations had improved over the years.
Writing on micro-blogging platform X after the meeting, President Mnangagwa said, “I bid farewell to EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann, who noted that Zimbabwe-EU relations have normalised over the past three years. Trade rose by 30 percent, investment by 90 percent. We thank him for strengthening ties and wish him well.”
President Mnangagwa has, since coming to power, strengthened diplomatic ties with all nations, with an engagement and reengagement thrust that has seen Western countries warming up to Zimbabwe.
Speaking to the media after their closed-door meeting, where he emerged with the President in pearls of laughter, the EU diplomat said it was evident that relations between Harare and Brussels had improved exponentially in recent years.
“I think the laughing is probably the expression of normalisation of relations and I think during my three years, we reached a stage where the relation between the European union and Zimbabwe has normalised.
“We are focusing as partners on what we can do together. Typical areas are trade and investment and when I look back, I must say that was quite successful . . . so we managed to build bridges.
“And I often say as an ambassador, it is important when you go in a country to build bridges, you have to find them on both sides because a bridge is something where people meet on and they come from both sides and that requires that you look at your partner country, at your host country, in a way as a partner,” he said.
The EU diplomat said trade relations between the two had drastically improved as figures had reached US$880 million yearly.
He said President Mnangagwa had noted that the figures were also a reflection of the greater trade potential between Harare and Brussels.
“The bridges we built in many areas, multiple areas, but in particular in trade and investment, are solid. On our side, we have organised multiple events, we won three times the gold award at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair for the European participation, we organised the first-ever EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum, we have facilitated trade. What makes me proud is that the results are there.
“In the last three years, we have increased trade by 30 percent and investment by 90 percent. And both figures are now close to US$1 billion, US$880 million per year. I think that’s quite remarkable, but it also shows us that there is potential for more. Now, His Excellency, the President, just mentioned the importance of going deeper in the trade ties,” said the Ambassador.
He said discussions with President Mnangagwa had also centred on the arrears clearance and debt resolution process, with both parties expressing their commitment to its finalisation.
“The other issue we talked about is the arrears clearance and debt resolution process, which His Excellency, the President, has put underway. From our side, we, and he as well, expressed hope that we can conclude this process, which would lead to opening the door for sovereign lending for Zimbabwe.
“So there are a lot of things in the pipeline to come . . . so I think we have gone a long way, but we can go further in the future,” said Ambassador von Kirchmann.
Asked about his tenure in Zimbabwe, the European diplomat said, “We fell in love with Zimbabwe.
“I am here today with my wife, as a family. We fell in love with Zimbabwe. Often, people say it’s because of the beauty, Victoria Falls and the wildlife. I say no, it’s the people. Because home is not a place, home is the people who make you feel that you belong there. And I think this is something I have experienced in Zimbabwe, the warmth of the people, the respect, the education, the friendliness is something which is absolutely outstanding.”
The post Zim, EU bury the hatchet . . . strive to cultivate deeper ties appeared first on herald.