The recent establishment of the Directorate of External Relations is a reflection 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. It provides a more focused approach to Parliament’s interface with the external environment.

Mission Statement

As currently constituted, the Mission Statement of the Directorate is:

-To promote and maintain good relations between Parliament of Zimbabwe, other Parliaments, International Parliamentary Organisations and the Diplomatic Community.

Values

• Diplomacy
• Professionalism
• Dedication to duty
• Timeliness

Objectives

The major objectives of the External Relations Directorate are:-

• To promote and foster good relations between Parliament of Zimbabwe and the outside world;
• To play an advisory role on issues relating to Parliament at a time when Zimbabwe is facing immense external challenges;
• To be the contact point in terms of Parliament’s communication with the outside world;
• To promote a positive image and an objective understanding of events taking place in Zimbabwe; and
• To monitor developments in the external world that have an impact on Zimbabwe in general and Parliament in particular.

Structure of the Directorate

The External Relations Department was restructured in line with its upgrading to directorate level. The overall head of the Directorate is now a Principal Director of External Relations, followed by the Chief External Relations Officer, Principal External Relations Officers and External Relations Officer. The Barman and Assistant Barman are part of the structure.

The Directorate streamlined its activities by forming five desks, each manned by

an officer as follows:-

• Africa Desk
• Middle and Eastern Europe Desk
• Western Europe and the Americas
• Far East and the Pacific
• Gender Desk

Functions of the Directorate

The External Relations Directorate’s main functions are outlined below:

• Focal point for bi-lateral and multilateral links between Parliament of Zimbabwe and other national Parliaments, Regional Parliaments and International Parliamentary Organisations;
• Promote and protect the image and integrity of Parliament in Zimbabwe and abroad;
• Provide information and briefs on countries and International Parliamentary Organisations;
• Establish linkages between Parliament of Zimbabwe, Civil Society, Private Sector, Academics, Non-Governmental Organisations, the Diplomatic Community and other non-state actors.
• Plan and co-ordinate visits by foreign dignitaries to Parliament;
• Liaise with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zimbabwe’s Embassies abroad and diplomatic missions accredited to Zimbabwe on activities imparting on the operations of Parliament;
• Organizing Official functions and co-coordinating conferences/workshops hosted by Parliament;
• Provide protocol services to outgoing and incoming parliamentary delegations;
• Attend Courtesy calls on Presiding Officers;

International Organisations

Parliament of Zimbabwe is a member of the following International Parliamentary Organisations:-

IPU
Inter Parliamentary Union
Website: www.ipu.org

APU
African Parliamentary Union
Website: www.uafparl.org

SADC PF
SADC Parliamentary Forum
Website: www.sadcpf.org

ACP/EU
Afro-Caribbean Pacific/European Union
Websites:europa.eu.int/comm..c/development
              www.acpsec.org
              europa.eu.int/comm../europeaid

PAP
Pan African Parliament
Website: www.panafricanparliament.org

The Directorate provides executive support services to local chapters of International Parliamentary Organisations and co-ordinates activities of other organisations. Parliament used to be a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) but its membership ceased in 2004 following Zimbabwe’s withdrawal from the Commonwealth Group of Nations.