Cuba backs Zim UNSC seat bid
ZIMBABWE’S bid for a United Nations Security Council seat has received a major boost after Cuba announced its support for the country to Vice President Kembo Mohadi.
Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa, who is in the country on a three-day official visit, yesterday held a meeting with VP Mohadi in Harare which centred on increased co-operation between the two countries both bilaterally and on the international arena.
During the meeting, both VPs witnessed the signing of an agreement on reciprocal exemption of visa requirements to diplomatic officials and service passport holders by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava and Cuban Charge d’affaires Ambassador Yenielys Regueiferos Linares. VP Valdes also presided over the inauguration of the Fidel Castro Road Plaque (formerly Charter), toured the National Heroes Acre where he laid a wreath of flowers, and then visited the Museum of African Liberation.
Speaking during the meeting, VP Mohadi said support from Cuba would go a long way, especially considering that SADC and the African Union (AU) have already endorsed Zimbabwe’s bid.
“Zimbabwe will be bidding for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the period 2027 and 2028. Let me indicate to you that the SADC region has already endorsed the bid and that the African Union confirmation is expected this year. Zimbabwe will therefore be able to count on the support of an all-weather ally Cuba,” he said.
VP Mohadi said there was a need for Harare and Havana to increase their co-operation beyond health and education.
“To this end, both countries are working on establishing co-operation in the agriculture sector. We need to expand the scope of collaboration beyond health and education. There is tremendous potential for collaboration in agriculture, as well as increasing bilateral trade.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development is in the process of drafting a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of agriculture between the Ministry of Agriculture of Cuba and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of Zimbabwe. This meeting offers an important opportunity to share views and experiences on issues of mutual interest at both bilateral and international levels,” he said.
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