Zimbabwe and Antigua and Barbuda have reaffirmed their growing diplomatic ties, with the Caribbean nation pledging firm support for Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term.
This follows a bilateral meeting, on Tuesday, between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Dr Amon Murwira, and the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Right Honourable Gaston Alphonso Browne, held on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai.
Prof. Murwira expressed satisfaction with the strengthening relationship, saying Zimbabwe appreciated “the strong and growing fraternal ties between our two nations.” He also highlighted the formal reception of Zimbabwe’s new Ambassador, Mr Cecil Chinenere, on 6 January, as “a key step in deepening cooperation.”
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating collaboration. Prof. Murwira said Zimbabwe was “ready to swiftly establish institutional frameworks that will drive mutually beneficial cooperation.”
The discussions covered multiple areas, including the signing of a Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation Agreement, creation of a Joint Technical Commission to determine priority sectors, conclusion of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement to improve connectivity, and the appointment of Honorary Consuls to reduce travel costs. He added that student exchanges through scholarship programmes and the partial easing of visa requirements would “further strengthen people-to-people links.”
Prof. Murwira also welcomed Prime Minister Browne’s invitation to President Mnangagwa to attend the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), saying it demonstrated “Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to our long-standing friendship, irrespective of Zimbabwe’s Commonwealth readmission status.”
Of particular significance, Prime Minister Browne reaffirmed his country’s support for Zimbabwe’s UNSC candidature. Prof. Murwira expressed deep appreciation, saying “Zimbabwe values this support immensely as it strengthens our ability to advance shared global aspirations.”
He noted that Zimbabwe’s candidacy had already received endorsements from SADC and the African Union, adding that the country stands ready to bring “experience, reliability and constructive engagement” to the Security Council, having previously served in 1983–1984 and 1991–1992.
Prof. Murwira also highlighted Zimbabwe’s commitment to global peace, citing its contributions to UN peacekeeping missions in Angola, the DRC, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan and Timor-Leste.
Outlining Zimbabwe’s campaign theme, “Advancing 21st Century Solutions for Global Peace and Security through Multilateralism,” he stressed that it is grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which promotes “peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for international law, inclusivity and multilateral cooperation.”
He briefed Prime Minister Browne on Zimbabwe’s priorities if elected to the Security Council, including conflict prevention, supporting the AU’s Silencing the Guns initiative, counter-terrorism, strengthening cooperation between the UN and regional bodies, post-conflict recovery, and advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Prof. Murwira also assured Antigua and Barbuda that Zimbabwe would remain attentive to the needs of all UN Member States, especially Small Island Developing States, saying: “Zimbabwe stands ready to be a constructive, reliable and consensus-building partner that amplifies the voice of the Global South.”
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to further consolidate and deepen bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of our two nations.
