Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting Zimbabwe across various sectors.
Speaking in Harare on Wednesday during celebrations to mark Australia Day 2026, Australian High Commissioner to Zimbabwe H.E. Minoli Perera assured Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira that relations between the two nations remain strong and forward-looking.
“Zimbabwe is a dear friend to Australia. Like every strong friendship, it stood the test of time. Our shared values will carry us through into the future,” Perera said.
Australia Day is commemorated annually on January 26.
Perera said Australia would continue to act alongside Zimbabwe on issues of shared importance, guided by long-standing friendship and cooperation.
“As we celebrate all things great about Australia and all things great about our partnership with Zimbabwe, you stand here today assured in the knowledge that Australia will continue to act, where it matters on issues of importance. We will do so together, and with all of you here today, in the spirit of friendship and partnership,” she said.
Reflecting on Zimbabwe’s post-independence journey, Perera praised the country’s achievements while expressing Australia’s desire to see even greater progress.
“Just as those values underpin Australia’s success, so too have they underpinned Zimbabwe in the decades succeeding its independence. Zimbabwe went on to become one of the most successful countries on this continent, and we are still seeing evidence of that success today. But we want more for Zimbabwe.”
Australia is the largest contributor to the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and has invested heavily in Africa, with Zimbabwe among the beneficiaries.
“We have contributed nearly US$600 million so far and over US$120 million of funds have been spent right here in Zimbabwe since Zimbabwe became a GPE partner in 2013,” Perera said.
She explained that the funding has supported education, climate-responsive agriculture and poverty alleviation, among other sectors.
She also highlighted people-to-people relations between the two countries.
“We have welcomed Zimbabweans into Australia, and we thank Zimbabweans for embracing Australians who choose to call this beautiful country home. Our support for Zimbabwe has always been underpinned by the same values that we celebrate on Australia Day.”
The Australian envoy commended Zimbabwe’s efforts in promoting child online protection and the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Addressing digital safety, Perera said Australia had taken decisive action to protect children from the harmful effects of social media.
“We are putting the onus on social media companies. We believe that these companies have a social responsibility, and that responsibility starts with the protection of Australian children.”
Perera also reiterated Australia’s support for multilateralism and reform of global institutions.
Australia, a founding member of the United Nations, supports national sovereignty and has called for reforms at the UN Security Council to better represent Africa, including Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s recent bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council has already received backing from Russia, India, Cuba and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).