President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reiterated that Zimbabwe will not tailor its foreign policy to satisfy either Western or Eastern powers, insisting that the country’s only obligation is to protect its own national interests. He said Zimbabwe will engage the international community strictly on the basis of what “delivers the best outcomes” for its people, declaring that there is no need to “please the West or the East.”
Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is a sovereign state that determines its own partnerships and development path. He emphasised that Harare will judge any relationship—whether with Western nations or countries in the East—by how it advances Zimbabwe’s economic growth, stability and long‑term prosperity.
The President linked the country’s long‑running sanctions to Zimbabwe’s decision to reclaim land from colonial settlers and redistribute it to the black majority, describing the move as a corrective measure to restore sovereignty rather than a racially motivated crusade. He said those who accepted equality remained in the country, while those who felt entitled to special status chose to leave.
“Zimbabwe is a sovereign state, and we seek the best return from our resources. Whether our relations are with the East or the West, what we want as Zimbabwe is to please ourselves,” the President said.
Despite decades of economic pressure, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe has remained resilient and is “happy that we feel very independent,” arguing that the nation has continued to record development gains under constraints. He noted that Harare has deepened cooperation with partners such as China, saying this proves that former colonies are free to choose their allies based on mutual benefit, not historical ties to former imperial powers.
The President stressed that Zimbabwe’s engagement with any global partner, including major powers, will be guided by whether the country is satisfied with the terms of cooperation. Reaffirming the “friend to all and enemy to none” policy, he maintained that Zimbabwe will work with any nation that respects its sovereignty and supports its drive toward economic growth, self‑reliance and an equitable global order.
