Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
AS President Emmerson Mnangagwa leaves to attend the coronation of King Charles III set for Saturday, the development has been described as indicative of the success of the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement agenda.
World leaders will this Saturday converge in the United Kingdom for the coronation of King Charles the Third with President Emmerson Mnangagwa among the high-profile invited guests.
ZANU PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, is convinced that the invitation marks a new chapter in relations between Harare and London.
The diplomat said despite the checkered past with the country’s former colonial master, it is important for the two nations to work together.
“There is a lot of history with Britain, checkered in many instances. This invitation marks a new chapter. It is an endorsement of the engagement and re-engagement policy,” noted Ambassador Mutsvangwa.
“Britain is willing to see relations improving. They are responding to changing political circumstances. We want our relations to improve. It is important that London and Harare provide an environment where relations can flourish in all endeavours,” he added.
“We have a history with King Charles, in 1980 he came and lowered British Union Jack as President Mugabe raised the Zimbabwean flag marking an end to colonialism. We are exploring more ways of how we can work with each other.”
Ambassador Mutsvangwa also reflected on the relations between King Charles III and Zimbabwe.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable David Musabayana weighed in, reminding the international community that Zimbabwe is a friend of all and enemy of none.
“This is a very important development as Zimbabwe continues on its engagement and re-engagement agenda. We are very clear that Zimbabwe is a friend of all and enemy of none,” noted Honourable Musabayana.
The second republic’s thrust in engagement and re-engagement has been hailed for its contribution to the country’s economic growth as various countries and investors are looking at Zimbabwe as a destination of choice.