Taking Flight: Zimbabwe seeks to soar with Austral...

Taking Flight: Zimbabwe seeks to soar with Australia

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

Zimbabwe is spreading its wings and looking to deepen its economic ties with Australia, with a particular focus on reviving direct flights and enhancing cooperation in key sectors. This was revealed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira at the vibrant Australia National Day celebrations held in Harare yesterday.

A key highlight of the Minister's address was the ardent hope for the return of Qantas, the iconic Australian airline, which ceased operations in Zimbabwe back in 1998. "We are looking forward to strengthening cooperation, particularly in improving transport networks," Prof Murwira emphasized. "Qantas once operated in Zimbabwe, and I hope to see it return. Reviving direct flights between Zimbabwe and Australia is a key priority." This sentiment echoed the desire for enhanced connectivity and increased people-to-people exchange between the two nations.

Recognizing the shared challenges posed by climate change, Prof Murwira underscored the importance of agricultural collaboration. He expressed gratitude for the invaluable contributions of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and the International Crops Research Institute, whose work is bolstering climate resilience on Zimbabwean farms, particularly through innovative small-scale mechanization projects.

The Minister also commended the Australian Embassy for its generous support of various local projects and its commitment to providing scholarships for Zimbabweans to study in Australia. These initiatives, he noted, are crucial for fostering development and cultivating mutual understanding between the two countries.

Echoing the sentiments of Minister Murwira, Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms. Minoli Tehani Perera emphasized the enduring nature of the relationship between Zimbabwe and Australia, despite occasional disagreements. "While Zimbabwe and Australia have not always agreed on certain issues, our relationship is built on mateship and constructive engagement. We remain committed to working together for mutual benefit," she affirmed.

Ambassador Perera also addressed the urgent global climate crisis, highlighting the shared challenges it poses and the critical need for innovative solutions. "Climate change is accelerating faster than our efforts to combat it," she cautioned. "As the driest inhabited continent, Australia faces significant risks, and these are challenges we share with Zimbabwe. Together, we can find solutions."