FOREIGN Affairs minister, Amon Murwira, has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the implementation of the single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
He said this during a courtesy call by African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) director for Air Transport, Getachew Alemayehu, in Harare yesterday.
Murwira said Zimbabwe was honoured to host the engagement, describing SAATM as a strategic programme that aligns with the country’s constitutional commitment to international cooperation.
“Our participation in this initiative is firmly anchored in Section 12(2) of the Constitution, which provides the framework for Zimbabwe’s international cooperation and engagement with other nations,” he said.
He said the implementation of SAATM would unlock significant economic opportunities by improving the movement of people, goods and services across Africa.
“SAATM is a vital enabler of economic diplomacy. Improved air connectivity directly translates to lower travel costs, expanded tourism, enhanced cargo movement, increased foreign direct investment and job creation.”
He added that Zimbabwe remains fully committed to advancing Africa’s aviation integration agenda, adding that the initiative is central to achieving the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the objectives of the Yamoussoukro Declaration on the liberalisation of air transport.
“We believe stronger air connectivity will strengthen intra-African trade, deepen regional integration and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens across the continent,” he said.
Alemayehu also commended Zimbabwe for embracing economic diplomacy and promoting business integration.
