Britain’s Africa minister to visit in June 

Source: Britain’s Africa minister to visit in June – herald

Gibson Nyikadzino

Zimpapers Politics Hub

BRITAIN’S Minister of State for Africa, Lord Ray Collins, is scheduled to visit Zimbabwe in June, marking a significant stride in the thawing of London-Harare relations following years of diplomatic challenges.

Lord Collins revealed his intended visit to Harare in London at the Embassy of Zimbabwe’s 45th Independence Day anniversary celebrations last Friday, where he was the guest of honour.

Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the UK, Colonel Christian Katsande (Retired), stated that based on traditional relations, the two countries look forward to exploring the further realisation of the potential that exists between them through the current unlimited growth opportunities.

Lord Collins’ visit comes at a time when trade between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom has improved by 76 percent between 2023 and last year, spurred by the Second Republic’s continued efforts to make international headway, riding on its reaffirmation, engagement, and re-engagement policy anchored on economic diplomacy.

Ambassador Katsande noted that the strong and positive trajectory of Harare-London relations is informed by the shared history and economic ties between the two nations.

“Our bilateral relations with the United Kingdom remain on a strong and positive trajectory.

This is based on a shared history and economic ties.

Zimbabwe is committed to strengthening bilateral exchanges across various fields, including political, economic, social, cultural, and academic, as well as people-to-people relations.

“Trade between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom has been increasing in the past few years, with growing investor interest in mining, horticulture, essential oils, and works of art and jewellery,” Ambassador Katsande added.

In his remarks, Lord Collins stated that the UK has adopted a new approach to Africa focused on building modern, respectful partnerships and pledged to boost trade and investment with Zimbabwe.

“I want to wish all of you a very happy Independence Day. It’s a time to honour the sacrifices of so many people in achieving your independence and celebrate your hard-fought freedom.

“It’s no secret that our countries have had a difficult past, but it’s also true that we are close partners with warm ties today,” Lord Collins said.

He praised the cultural and economic contributions Zimbabweans in the UK are making to the fabric of British society, citing Ms Lucia Vambe, who has worked in the National Health Service before founding an organisation that helps connect British and Zimbabwean mental health professionals.

“We must continue working together closely.

I am thrilled to be visiting Zimbabwe in June, and of course, cannot wait for the cricket Test match between Zimbabwe and England in May, the first in over 20 years,” added Lord Collins.

The Zimbabwe men’s national cricket team, the Chevrons, is scheduled to play a four-day Test match against England from May 22-25 at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, the first match between the two teams since 2003.

Since the advent of the Second Republic on November 24, 2017, Zimbabwe and the UK have shared an encouraging history of strengthening bilateral cooperation, including the exchange of high-level visits.