Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, said the SADC Council of Ministers Meeting reached consensus on 78 decisions for consideration by the Heads of State and Government.
In an interview with the media, recently, Proffessor Murwira said the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation across key sectors as the bloc works towards achieving the objectives of SADC Vision 2050.
“The SADC Council of Ministers Meeting focused on deepening regional integration through practical implementation, anchored on peace and security, industrialisation, infrastructure development, and social and human capital development,” he said.
He said the 78 decisions adopted by the Council would provide a framework for further consideration by regional leaders, with particular attention being given to food security, infrastructure and economic integration.
“The Council reached consensus on 78 decisions for consideration by the SADC Heads of State and Government, with emphasis on food self-sufficiency, regional infrastructure, removal of trade barriers, free movement of people, and implementation of the SADC Regional Development Fund,” Prof Murwira said.
Professor Murwira said that the push for food self-sufficiency comes as SADC seeks to strengthen regional resilience against external shocks while promoting increased agricultural production and intra-regional trade.
“Infrastructure development is also central to regional integration, with improved transport, energy and other connectivity networks expected to facilitate the movement of goods and people while lowering the cost of doing business across member states.
Prof Murwira said Zimbabwe remained committed to a predictable foreign policy as it pursued stronger relations with neighbouring countries and supported regional integration initiatives.
“Zimbabwe remains committed to a stable, mature and predictable foreign policy, guided by the Neighbourhood First Principle.
“The approach would continue to support SADC’s collective efforts to advance regional development and ensure that integration delivers practical benefits to ordinary people,” Prof Murwira added.
Furthermore, the Council of Ministers is one of SADC’s key policy-making structures and is responsible for overseeing the implementation of decisions and programmes adopted by the regional bloc. Zimbabwe recently chaired the SADC Council of Ministers before handing over the chairmanship to South Africa.
