External Relations
Historical Background
The External Relations Department was established in May 2005 in recognition of Parliament’s growing links with the external world and Zimbabwe’s increasing political and diplomatic clout in terms of participation at regional, continental and international fora.
The Department, therefore, provides a more focused approach to Parliament’s interface with the external environment and operates within the broader national foreign policy framework outlined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Mission Statement
To nurture, promote and maintain excellent relations between Parliament of Zimbabwe, other Parliaments, International Parliamentary Organizations and the Diplomatic Community.
Objectives of the External Relations Department
- To manage the Department effectively and efficiently;
- To attend to all correspondence on issues pertaining to bilateral and multilateral relations;
- To provide regular briefs and appropriate analysis on pertinent issues taking place at the Regional, Continental and International level;
- To provide protocol and hospitality services to Presiding Officers, Members of Parliament and visiting dignitaries;
- To make appropriate arrangements relating to official functions and visiting dignitaries.
Functions of the Department
Protocol and Hospitality
- Organizing official functions hosted by Parliament, including luncheons, dinners, receptions and some aspects of the Ceremonial Official Opening of Parliament;
- Secretariat and logistical arrangements for outgoing delegations approved by the Presiding Officers;
- Arranging and covering courtesy calls by diplomats and other dignitaries in liaison with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the offices of the Presiding Officers;
- Liaison with diplomatic missions and other regional and international organizations;
- Protocol arrangements for local workshops and seminars for Members and Staff of Parliament.
Coordination of Conferences Hosted by Parliament
International Conferences hosted by Parliament are coordinated by the Department of External Relations. In addition to coordinating the conference, the Directorate has specific duties related to the conference:
- Drafting conference programmes;
- Official opening programme, provision of country name plates, desk flags as well as flags outside the conference room;
- Providing protocol and hospitality services; and
- Processing of Cabinet Authority to host conferences and incoming delegations.
Provision of Information
- Courtesy calls on Presiding Officers by diplomats and other dignitaries;
- Meetings between visiting delegations and Presiding Officers or Members of Parliament;
- When a Zimbabwean delegation is traveling to another country either on an official visit or to attend an international conference.
International Parliamentary Organizations
- Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) – www.ipu.org
- African Parliamentary Union (APU) – www.africanpu.org
- SADC Parliamentary Forum – www.sadcpf.org
- OACPS / EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly – www.acp.int
- Pan-African Parliament – www.pan-africanparliament.org
- ASSECAA – www.assecaa.org
- SADCOPAC – www.sadcopac.org
- APNODE – www.apnode.org
Membership in International Parliamentary Organizations is voluntary and joining is either initiated by Parliament or at the invitation of Parliament by a particular organization.
A resolution of the National Assembly and Senate is required for Parliament of Zimbabwe to be a member of any organization. Parliament then informs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and seeks advice on compatibility with Zimbabwe’s foreign policy objectives.
Membership enhances inter-parliamentary cooperation and dialogue, providing a platform for Parliamentarians to discuss political, economic and social issues at national, regional and global levels.
Management of the Parliament Bar
The Department is also responsible for the management of the Parliament Bar whose patrons are exclusively Members of Parliament.
