Zim’s Diplomatic Charm Offensive Opens Locked Doors
The hosting of the Nordic-Africa summit by Zimbabwe was unthinkable in the recent past but President Mnangagwa’s re-engagement and engagement drive is now opening hitherto locked doors, as the international community warms up to his leadership.
Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe’s nomination to host the Nordic-Africa summit next year is a major diplomatic victory as it signifies the vote of confidence in the country’s potential and leadership by the global community, analysts have said. The hosting of the Nordic-Africa summit by Zimbabwe was unthinkable in the recent past but President Mnangagwa’s re-engagement and engagement drive is now opening hitherto locked doors, as the international community warms up to his leadership. Zimbabwe warded off competition from several African states to host next year’s Nordic-Africa summit, a forum for high-level political dialogue between the Nordic region and Africa. Since it was initiated by Sweden in 2001, the forum has devolved into an annual event, hosted alternately by Nordic and African countries. In recent years, it has become an increasingly important platform for developing the partnership between the Nordic countries and Africa. Analysts commended the strides that Zimbabwe has made in making a footprint in the comity of nations as these have led to the country’s nomination and recognition. ReadMore