Zimbabwe has intensified its diplomatic campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, securing growing support from Caribbean nations through high-level engagements this week.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, who also serves as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s special envoy for the campaign, began his Caribbean mission in Saint Lucia before moving to Jamaica.
In Saint Lucia, Professor Murwira held constructive talks with Minister of External Affairs, Honourable Alva Baptiste, where both sides emphasised the deep historical, cultural, and political bonds linking Africa and the Caribbean.
“There are plenty of opportunities for us to explore, especially in this turbulent global environment. There is no blueprint for cooperation and engagement, but Africa and the Caribbean can create one together,” Minister Baptiste said.
He expressed unwavering support for Zimbabwe’s bid, invoking the principle of family unity in Caribbean culture.
“If we say we are family, support must begin within the family. The arm of the family can bend but never breaks, and it will be there to give the necessary support to Zimbabwe,” he added.
In Jamaica, Professor Murwira met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Horace Chang, in Kingston. The discussions highlighted shared experiences of colonialism and independence struggles, which continue to guide cooperation between the two nations in international forums.
“Zimbabwe seeks this seat as a voice for developing nations and for a more representative United Nations. We come to our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean to ensure the voice of the Global South is heard clearly in global decision-making,” Professor Murwira said.
He also called for stronger economic cooperation, noting that while political ties have remained strong, trade and investment have lagged.
“We must move beyond historical friendship to practical cooperation in trade, innovation and industry. The revival of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation will help us unlock real opportunities for our people,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Chang welcomed the engagement, stressing the importance of unity among developing nations in influencing global decisions.
He also highlighted the need to better utilise human capital and strengthen partnerships between the two regions to drive growth and resilience.
The meetings also covered issues such as climate change, security cooperation, reparations, and global governance reforms, with both sides agreeing that developing countries must collaborate to address shared challenges.
Zimbabwe and Caribbean nations established diplomatic relations soon after the country’s independence in 1980, rooted in shared liberation struggles, cultural links, and cooperation in international organisations representing developing countries.
The Caribbean mission forms part of broader government efforts to deepen political and economic ties with the region while rallying support for Zimbabwe’s UN Security Council candidacy.
