Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, on Friday led a delegation to historic Cold War-era bunkers in Tirana.
In a statement, the ministry said the delegation toured the Bunk’Art museums, underground structures built during a period of political isolation under former Albanian leader Enver Hoxha.
“This Friday, Prof. Amon Murwira and the Zimbabwean delegation visited the historic Cold War–era bunkers, namely the Bunk’Art museums in Tirana, Albania, gaining first-hand insight into the profound impact of war on a nation and its people,” the minister said.
The Ministry added that the visit provided a sobering reflection on the consequences of global conflict, particularly World War II, and its lasting effects on Albania and the international community.
“As they walked through these underground structures, built during a period of deep isolation and fear, the delegation reflected on World War II and its devastating consequences for Albania and the wider world,”it said said.
The ministry noted that Albania’s extensive bunker system was shaped by Hoxha’s defensive policies during the Cold War, when the country broke away from its allies and adopted an isolationist stance.
“The bunker programme served several purposes. Militarily, it was meant to prepare the country for prolonged defence in the event of an invasion. Psychologically, it reinforced a climate of fear and vigilance among citizens,” the statement read.
The Ministry said the visit highlighted the long-term social and psychological effects of conflict, adding that such experiences strengthen Zimbabwe’s stance on peaceful engagement.
“The visit offered a powerful reminder of how conflict reshapes societies, leaving behind not only physical scars but also generational trauma,” it said.
The Ministry noted that Zimbabwe’s foreign policy remains anchored on promoting dialogue and cooperation as tools for preventing conflict.
“For Zimbabwe, this experience reinforces a firm commitment to peace, dialogue, and international cooperation, underscoring the belief that many of the tragedies of the past could have been prevented through stronger diplomacy and mutual understanding among nations,” it said.
It added that Zimbabwe’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council is guided by these principles.
“Zimbabwe aims to champion peaceful conflict resolution, advocating for diplomatic engagement as the first and most effective line of defence against war,” the statement concluded.
Albania built thousands of bunkers during the Cold War under Enver Hoxha as part of a national defence strategy driven by fears of foreign invasion, leaving a lasting imprint on the country’s landscape and historical memory.
