Obama spoke hours after Mugabe made diplomatic overtures in a congratulatory message, assuring him that Zimbabwe remains ready to engage his government in any desirable endeavour to improve bilateral relations between the two countries, state television reported.
Mugabe said the challenges that lie ahead for Obama were enormous, adding that developing countries cherish the hope of working with the new administration in pursuit of programmes and policies to develop societies in the global context of socio-economic interaction.
Signalling a departure from former President George Bush's often abrasive diplomacy, Obama pledged broader engagement in the world. Saying the people of the world should know that America is a friend of all who seek "a future of peace and dignity," Obama vowed that the United States is "ready to lead once more."
He also pledged to "work alongside" the people of poor nations to make "farms flourish and let clean waters flow."
To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy, Obama said.
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.
And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.