Zimbabwe’s aspiration to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council has received a significant endorsement from Cuba. This development emerged during Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa’s three-day official visit to Zimbabwe, where he met with Vice President Kembo Mohadi in Harare.
The high-level meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between Zimbabwe and Cuba, both bilaterally and in the international realm. A key outcome of this visit was the signing of an agreement for reciprocal exemption of visa requirements for diplomatic, official, and service passport holders. The agreement was formalized by Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Ambassador Frederick Shava, and Cuba’s Charge d’affaires Ambassador Yenielys Regueiferos Linares.
VP Valdes Mesa’s visit also included the inauguration of the Fidel Castro Road Plaque, a tour of the National Heroes Acre with a wreath-laying ceremony, and a visit to the Museum of African Liberation.
VP Mohadi, during the meeting, expressed gratitude for Cuba’s support, noting its significance in light of the endorsements already received from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the anticipated backing from the African Union (AU). “With the SADC region’s endorsement and the AU’s expected confirmation, Cuba’s support as an all-weather ally is invaluable for our bid for the 2027-2028 non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council,” VP Mohadi remarked.
Cuba’s backing represents a notable boost for Zimbabwe’s international aspirations and is a testament to the enduring diplomatic relations between the two nations. As Zimbabwe positions itself for a role on the global stage, the support from Cuba, along with the regional and continental endorsements, underscores the country’s growing diplomatic influence and commitment to international cooperation.
The visit of the Cuban Vice President and the subsequent diplomatic developments signify a strengthening of ties between Zimbabwe and Cuba, potentially paving the way for increased collaboration on various international platforms, including the United Nations.
