Foreign relations of Zimbabwe


The foreign relations of Zimbabwe emphasize a close relationship with the People's Republic of China and South Africa, nations with close economic ties to Zimbabwe.

Bilateral relationships

Zimbabwe has significant bilateral relations with several countries.
Following Ian Smith's Unilateral Declaration of Independence from the United Kingdom in 1965 Rhodesia's diplomatic presence was dramatically rolled back across the world. By the time of the Lancaster House Agreement in 1979 Rhodesia only had representative offices in London, Bonn, Pretoria, Washington, D.C. and Tokyo. Missions in Maputo and Lisbon were closed in 1975 following the Carnation Revolution in Portugal. Under Robert Mugabe Zimbabwe ran a new foreign policy which operated more closely with African, Soviet and NAM states.
Some white Rhodesians who have left their country following ZANU-PF coming to power have established "embassies" and offices representing a government in exile in places afar as Thailand, Iceland and London.
The capital of the country, Harare, currently hosts 51 embassies. Several other countries have ambassadors accredited from other capital cities, mainly Pretoria and Addis Ababa. Several countries have closed their embassies in Zimbabwe in recent years to protest the policies of President Robert Mugabe, with the Czech Republic and Botswana being the latest to announce their intentions to do so. The information provided on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Zimbabwe's website is outdated, and due to the country's growing isolation, several embassies that are listed have closed. The information was checked on the websites of other foreign ministries to ensure accuracy.

Africa

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
1980-07-31
  • Algeria has an embassy in Harare
See Angola–Zimbabwe relations
  • Angola has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Luanda
    • Angola-Zimbabwe relations have remained cordial since the birth of both states, Angola in 1975 and Zimbabwe in 1980, during the Cold War. While Angola's foreign policy shifted to a pro-U.S. stance based on substantial economic ties, under the rule of President Robert Mugabe Zimbabwe's ties with the West soured in the late 1990s.

    • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Gaborone
    Though initially friendly towards Zimbabwe, several disputes between the two countries have soured relations in recent years. Such problems include the fact that Botswana has seen an influx of refugees from Zimbabwe; the building of a fence along the border, and has complained on several occasions of a campaign by Zimbabwe's state-run media against the government of Botswana, where it cites claims of human rights abuses against Zimbabwean's and the claim that Botswana, along with the United Kingdom and other countries were supporting the opposition in Zimbabwe. Recently, relations have further been strained when the government of Botswana lodged a protest against the political violence occurring in Zimbabwe and the detention of opposition members in the country, stating it was "uncalled for".
    Protesting the outcome of the Zimbabwean presidential election of 2008, and the 'illegitimate' regime in Zimbabwe, President Ian Khama boycotted the Southern African Development Community summit on 16–17 August, which was instead attended by the Botswana Foreign Minister.
    Relations have further deteriorated between Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia after the latter two countries withdrew from a Memorandum of Understanding, excluding Zimbabwe and signed a new one to undertake the construction of the Kazungula Bridge Project on a bilateral basis. This was done despite a caution from the New Partnership for Africa's Development to not let politics interfere with the development project.
    In November 2008, Botswana foreign minister Phandu Skelemani stated that all countries bordering Zimbabwe should close their borders with the country, to 'bring down Robert Mugabe's government'.

    • Cape Verde has an accredited mission in Luanda
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Kinshasa
  • Republic of the Congo has an accredited mission in Pretoria
  • Egypt has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Cairo
  • Ethiopia has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Addis Ababa
  • Ghana has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Accra
  • Guinea has an accredited mission in Pretoria
  • Kenya has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Nairobi
    • Following the controversial Zimbabwean presidential election of 2008, Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga urged the African Union to suspend Zimbabwe until "free and fair elections" have taken place. He has also called for the removal of Mugabe.

    • Lesotho has an accredited mission in Pretoria
  • Libya has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Tripoli
    • In the past Zimbabwe has enjoyed a close relationship with the government of Muammar Gaddafi partly due to their shared animosity towards Western governments. During the 2011 Libyan civil war the Mugabe regime indicated that it will not recognise the anti-Gaddafi National Transitional Council. When the staff of the Libyan embassy defected and joined the NTC after the decisive Battle of Tripoli in August 2011 Harare expelled the embassy, giving them 48 hours to leave the country.

    • Malawi has an embassy in Harare
    • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Lilongwe
  • Mauritius has an accredited mission in Pretoria
  • Mozambique has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Maputo and a consulate general in Beira
    • See Namibia–Zimbabwe relations
  • Namibia has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Windhoek
    • The ruling parties of Namibia and Zimbabwe have been close since pre-independence days, as both were anti-colonial movements against white-minority governments.

    • Nigeria has an embassy in Harare
    • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Abuja
  • Rwanda has an accredited mission in Pretoria
  • The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic has an accredited mission in Maputo.
  • Sierra Leone has an accredited mission in Addis Ababa
    • See South Africa–Zimbabwe relations
  • South Africa has a mission in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Pretoria and a consulate general in Johannesburg
    • In recent years, following the political crisis in the country, the ex-president Thabo Mbeki mediated with the MDC and Zanu PF to form a unity government, and often remained silent on the issues in Zimbabwe, which drew criticism. Following a cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, the ruling ANC in South Africa became impatient and has urged the parties to form a unity government.

    • Sudan has an embassy in Harare.
  • Swaziland has an accredited mission in Pretoria
  • Tanzania has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Dar es Salaam
  • Tunisia has an accredited mission in Pretoria.
  • Uganda has an accredited mission in Pretoria
    • See Zambia–Zimbabwe relations
  • Zambia has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Lusaka
    • Initially, the two countries had good relations after gaining independence. However, relations have recently been strained as Zambia, like Botswana, has reported similar 'smear campaigns' against the Zambian government by Zimbabwe's state-owned media, claiming it was "hired by Britain to press for a speedy regime change in Harare." The foreign affairs minister, Kabinga Pande, has said it has lodged a protest against Zimbabwe, against the "sustained malicious campaign against Zambia."
    Following the controversial Zimbabwean presidential election of 2008, Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa described Mugabe's Zimbabwe as a "regional embarrassment".

    Americas

    CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes

  • Bahamas is accredited to Zimbabwe from its high commission in Ottawa, Canada.
  • Brazil has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Brasília.
    • 1980
  • Canada has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Ottawa.
    • Because of Zimbabwe's poor record on human rights and democracy, Canada has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe which include aid suspension and visa-ban to some members of the Harare government. Bilateral trade totalled C$16 million in 2011, down from C$430 million in 1999. Canadian investment in Zimbabwe is primarily in the mining sector.

    • Chile is accredited to Zimbabwe from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.
  • Cuba has an embassy in Harare.
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Havana.
    • 1980
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 June 1980.
    March 1985See Mexico–Zimbabwe relations
    Mexico and Zimbabwe established diplomatic relations in March 1985. Mexico opened an embassy in Harare in 1990, however, the embassy was later closed in 1994.
    • Mexico is accredited to Zimbabwe from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.
    • Zimbabwe is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.
  • Peru is accredited to Zimbabwe from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.
    • See United States–Zimbabwe relations
    • United States has an embassy in Harare.
    • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Washington, D.C.
    United States President Jimmy Carter met with Zimbabwean Prime Minister Robert Mugabe in August 1980. Author Geoff Hill criticized Carter for keeping "quiet as Mugabe nationalized the press, committed genocide against minority tribes and subverted constitution to make himself the sole source of authority."
    Zimbabwean Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi summoned U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe Christopher Dell on 9 November 2005 and expressed his "extreme displeasure" with comments Dell made a few days earlier in Mutare. Dell had said government corruption had led to food shortages. Mugabe said Dell could "go to hell." Dell left Zimbabwe for Washington, D.C., United States on 9 November for consultations after meeting with Minister Mumbengegwi.

    • Uruguay is accredited to Zimbabwe from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.

    Asia

    Europe

    CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes

    • Austria had an embassy in Harare until 2011, when the Embassy was shut down.
    • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Vienna
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Brussels
  • Bulgaria has an accredited mission in Pretoria
  • Cyprus has an accredited mission in Nairobi
  • Zimbabwe] is represented in Denmark from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Denmark is represented in Zimbabwe, through its embassy in Lusaka, Zambia.
  • Finland has an accredited mission in Maputo
  • France has a mission in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Paris
    • French President Jacques Chirac angered the governments of the United Kingdom and the United States when in February 2003 he invited President Mugabe to a Franco-African conference on Africa held in France. Mugabe said he felt "at home" in Paris and "President Chirac insisted that we attend. He held firm to his principles. We need leaders of his stature." Chirac later emphasized that he had not kissed Mugabe on his cheeks when the conference began. The UK had previously tried to get the European Union to deny Mugabe the right to come to Europe, citing human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.

    • Germany has an embassy in Harare
    • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Berlin
    See Greece-Zimbabwe relations
  • Greece has an embassy in Harare
  • Holy See has an embassy in Harare
  • Hungary has an accredited mission in Pretoria
  • Ireland has an accredited mission in Pretoria
  • Italy has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Rome
    • 2015-01-23Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 January 2015.
    1992-06-19
    Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 June 1992.

    • Netherlands has an embassy in Harare
  • Norway has an embassy in Harare
  • Poland has an embassy in Harare
  • Portugal has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has a consulate general in Lisbon
  • Romania has an embassy in Harare
    • 1981-02-18See Russia–Zimbabwe relations
  • Russia has a mission in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Moscow: Embassy of Zimbabwe, Moscow
    • Russia-Zimbabwe relations date back to January 1979, during the Rhodesian Bush War. The Soviet Union supported Joshua Nkomo's Zimbabwe African People's Union, and supplied them with arms; Robert Mugabe's attempts to gain Soviet support for his Zimbabwe African National Union were rebuffed, leading him to enter into relations with Soviet rival Beijing. After the end of the white regime in Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe had strengthened his relations with both Beijing and Moscow as a result of intense western pressure on him. Russia maintains strong economic and political ties with Zimbabwe and both countries had vetoed the UN resolution imposing UN sanctions on Zimbabwe which was proposed by both the US and the UK on 12 July 2008.

    • Serbia has an embassy in Harare
    • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Belgrade
  • Slovakia has an accredited mission in Pretoria
  • Spain has an embassy in Harare
  • Sweden has an embassy in Harare
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Stockholm
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Harare
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1980.
  • Ukraine has an accredited mission in Pretoria
  • United Kingdom has an embassy in Harare.
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in London.
    • Historically, relations between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom were close. However, in the last eight years, relations between Zimbabwe and the UK have been typically cold; with President Robert Mugabe frequently accusing the former colonial power of sabotage; ruining the country and attempting to invade the country. In turn, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown refused to attend an African/European summit while Mugabe was invited, citing Zimbabwe's poor human rights record. The UK also did not attend an address by Mugabe at the 2008 UN Food Summit, stating that his presence there was "obscene". However, Mugabe was later forcibly removed from power in November 2017 and soon afterwards, Britain's Minister to Africa Rory Stewart became the first British Minister to visit Zimbabwe in two decades.
    In January 2019, Conservative Secretary and defence spokesman Geoffrey Van Orden MEP said that the EU should review its sanctions against Zimbabwe following the brutal crackdown on opposition forces.

    Oceania

    CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
    See Australia–Zimbabwe relations
    • Australia has an embassy in Harare
    • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Canberra
    In 2002, the Howard government in Australia imposed targeted sanctions against members of the Zimbabwean government in protest against the deteriorating political situation in Zimbabwe. The sanctions were extended and strengthened in 2007. These sanctions have included restrictions on travel to and through Australia for certain members of the Zimbabwean government, suspension of all non-humanitarian aid, and prohibitions on defence links. The Rudd government in 2008 considered further sanctions against Zimbabwe, with foreign minister Stephen Smith declaring that "I've made it clear that we are open to consider more sanctions... We are currently giving active consideration to that issue."

    • New Zealand has a High Commission in Pretoria, which is cross-accredited to Zimbabwe.

    Multilateral organizations

    Zimbabwe has missions to several multilateral organizations:
    Zimbabwe became an independent Commonwealth republic on 18 April 1980. Zimbabwe withdrew from the Commonwealth of Nations in December 2003, due to international criticism of the Government of Zimbabwe's human rights record.
    Emmerson Mnangagwa, Robert Mugabe's successor as President of Zimbabwe, has stated that Zimbabwe will apply to return to the Commonwealth in late 2018, following in the footsteps of The Gambia returning to the Commonwealth on 8 February 2018.
    Sibusiso Moyo attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 in his capacity as Foreign Affairs Minister of Zimbabwe.
    The British Government has expressed support for Zimbabwe to return to its membership of the Commonwealth.