Rutendo Nyeve
Victoria Falls Bureau
Zimbabwe’s successful campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, which secured the backing of 182 out of 190 voting countries, has provided compelling evidence of the country’s renewed diplomatic standing and growing international acceptance, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira has said.
The overwhelming vote, representing 96 percent of participating countries, marked a major milestone in the Second Republic’s efforts to reverse international isolation and rebuild relations with the global community without compromising national sovereignty and interests.
Addressing the Senate on Thursday last week, Prof Murwira said the outcome of the June 3, 2026 vote demonstrated the effectiveness of President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement policy, adopted following his assumption of office in November 2017.
He said the diplomatic campaign had been deliberately pursued to test claims that Zimbabwe remained isolated while demonstrating the country’s commitment to international co-operation, peaceful coexistence and multilateral engagement.
“In 2017, on November 24, when the President was inaugurated, he inherited a country that was isolated. Due to vilification from different quarters, the country was under siege in the international media because of our bold land reform programme. Nonetheless, we were under attack,” said Prof Murwira.
He said the Second Republic subsequently adopted a broader foreign policy framework aimed at restoring Zimbabwe’s place in the international community and integrating the country into the global economy.
The approach, he said, was anchored on the principle that “Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none”, with the country seeking co-operation even with nations with which it had experienced strained relations.
“Zimbabwe does not seek to have enemies. Even those who were attacking us, we never classified them as our enemies. They might have classified us as such, but we do not have a policy that says we are enemies,” said Prof Murwira.
He said the country’s diplomatic engagement had been guided by Section 12 of the Constitution, which outlines the principles governing Zimbabwe’s foreign policy, including respect for international law, peaceful coexistence and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Prof Murwira said the UN Security Council campaign was a practical demonstration of these principles, adding that Zimbabwe had retained its liberation values and sovereignty while rebuilding international relations.
“One hundred and eighty-two out of 190 voting countries supported Zimbabwe on June 3, 2026, at 10.30am New York time. That translates to 96 percent of the vote. On that day, the narrative that Zimbabwe is isolated was shattered. Zimbabwe is not isolated,” he said.
Prof Murwira said Zimbabwe’s diplomatic re-engagement had also translated into increased economic participation, with exports growing from about US$2 billion in 2017 to more than US$20 billion.
He attributed the growth to expanding trade and investment partnerships, supported by diplomatic outreach and participation in international economic platforms, including the World Economic Forum, and engagement with markets such as Japan.
“The issue of integrating Zimbabwe into the global economy is being pursued through trade and investment. This objective has also been fulfilled,” he said.
The minister added that the country’s foreign policy was increasingly shaped by its regional responsibilities, with President Mnangagwa’s neighbourhood-first and Africa-first approach strengthening Zimbabwe’s position within continental institutions.
Zimbabwe’s assumption of the chairmanship of both the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), representing a market of about 700 million people, was cited as evidence of the country’s growing regional influence.
Prof Murwira said the Second Republic’s foreign policy was built around five key pillars: maintaining a peaceful environment for national development, promoting domestic production and trade, advancing tourism, strengthening co-operation in education, science, technology, innovation and culture, and protecting Zimbabweans living abroad.
He said the emphasis on domestic production was important in strengthening the country’s capacity to participate in international trade, while tourism promotion had helped raise Zimbabwe’s global profile following its recognition as the world’s best tourism destination in 2025.
The protection of citizens abroad, Prof Murwira added, remained a key responsibility, citing the evacuation of Zimbabweans from Iran and South Africa during periods of crisis.
Despite the diplomatic gains, he said Government remained committed to consolidating the country’s international relations through sustained engagement and a clear defence of national interests.
“So far, so good, but we are not sleeping. We have to keep working and remain humble. We must continue ensuring that people understand Zimbabwe, that we maintain our values and that others understand us,” said Prof Murwira.
He said Zimbabwe’s objective was not merely to secure international acceptance, but to build mutually beneficial partnerships that support economic development while preserving the country’s independence and sovereignty.
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