The recent political developments in Zimbabwe have seen British Ministers visiting Zimbabwe for the first time in many years.
“Last week was one of the busiest the Embassy has had for a long time. For many years we had no British ministers visiting Zimbabwe. Now we have had two in three months.
“The visit of Minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin, her meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and her announcement of new money to support free and fair elections stole the headlines,” wrote the embassy in a statement.
In that same week the embassy also had high level visits from the Commonwealth Development Corporation which promotes private sector investment in African businesses. It also hosted visitors from the Department for International Trade’s southern African director.
“This range of visitors highlights the breadth of current British engagement with Zimbabwe. We are not interested in only one aspect of the relationship, whether that is development, trade or human rights, or even Zimbabwe’s ambition for international re-engagement. Rather we are trying to ensure that we have a balanced and comprehensive approach.
“We have been accused by some of rushing in too quickly. As we have made clear we are supportive of Zimbabwe’s reform efforts. But full support will depend on the conduct of Zimbabwe’s elections later this year. They’ll have to be credible and transparent and free from intimidation for Zimbabwe to be fully welcomed back into the international community. This is a message we have been delivering consistently to the Government of Zimbabwe and the opposition not just since the transition in November, but for several years,” explained the embassy.
