The United States has called on Zimbabwe to strengthen democratic institutions and respect the rule of law as it extended best wishes to the southern African nation on the 45th anniversary of its independence.
In a statement on Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the people of Zimbabwe and said Washington looked forward to deepening bilateral relations but noted that such cooperation would be underpinned by shared democratic values.
“We look forward to reinforcing our business and commercial ties, supported by our countries’ democratic institutions,” Rubio said.
“Through rule of law and respect for our fundamental freedoms, we can create better opportunities for our peoples to prosper.”
While the message carried a tone of goodwill, it also underscored ongoing US concerns over governance and human rights in Zimbabwe.
Relations between Washington and Harare have been strained for decades, particularly over allegations of electoral fraud, suppression of opposition voices and crackdowns on civil liberties under the ruling ZANU-PF party.
The US maintains targeted sanctions against a number of Zimbabwean officials, accusing them of corruption and human rights violations.
Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain on 18 April 1980, ending nearly a century of colonial rule.
JN/APA