Zimbabwe’s new foreign minister assumes duty

HARARE, April 20 — Zimbabwe’s recently appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Fredrick Shava officially assumed duty on Tuesday, pledging to continue the country’s engagement and re-engagement policy.
Shava, who has held various portfolios in government since Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, replaces former foreign minister Sibusiso Moyo who succumbed to COVID-19 related complications in January. The veteran diplomat previously served as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to China before he was appointed Zimbabwe’s permanent representative to the United Nations. In his address, Shava said he would work towards mending relations with countries that have not been friendly with Zimbabwe. His appointment is one of several key cabinet appointments made a few months ago by President Emmerson Mnangagwa following the deaths of three cabinet ministers from COVID-19. (Xinhua)