Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have strengthened bilateral relations after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Political Consultations in New York yesterday.
In a statement after the signing, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Professor Amon Murwira said the agreement would provide a formal framework for Zimbabwe and the UAE to engage regularly on bilateral and multilateral matters.
“Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations, providing a structured platform for regular dialogue and deeper cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.”
He said negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) were continuing, with the proposed agreement expected to create further opportunities for trade and investment.
“The agreement builds on the positive momentum in Zimbabwe–UAE relations, including ongoing negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which seeks to expand trade, investment and market access between the two countries,” Professor Murwira said.
The minister said Zimbabwe remained committed to strengthening cooperation with the UAE in areas of mutual interest, while also improving coordination on international and multilateral issues.
“Zimbabwe reaffirmed its commitment to advancing cooperation with the UAE across areas of mutual interest, while strengthening coordination on international and multilateral issues, including within the United Nations Security Council.”
Professor Murwira said Zimbabwe’s engagement with the UAE would be guided by mutual respect and sovereign equality as the two countries sought to translate their diplomatic relations into practical economic benefits.
“The two countries will continue to build a partnership anchored in mutual respect, sovereign equality, dialogue, and shared economic opportunities, aiming to translate strong diplomatic relations into tangible benefits for the peoples of Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates,”he said.
The latest agreement comes as Zimbabwe continues to broaden its international economic partnerships in line with efforts to attract investment, expand markets and strengthen cooperation with strategic partners.
The MoU is therefore expected to provide a regular channel through which Harare and Abu Dhabi can coordinate their positions, pursue areas of mutual interest and build on existing economic and diplomatic cooperation.
