Zimbabwe and Botswana yesterday signed seven bilateral
agreements covering housing, education and health, reaffirming their commitment
to develop their economies.
The agreements were signed at the close of the Second
Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC).
Presidents Mnangagwa and Mokgweetsi Masisi presided over
the closing session yesterday, after four days of intense engagements among top
Government officials.
Relevant Cabinet ministers from the two countries signed
the seven bilateral instruments, which cover a range of socio-economic
development issues, on behalf of their governments.
The agreements covered: mutual legal assistance in criminal
matters; a memorandum of understanding on health matters; sport development;
cooperation in the field of media information and publicity; provision of
sustainable, affordable and functional low-cost housing; cooperation in
technical, vocational education and training; and employment and labour.
The agreements add to the six bilateral instruments that
were signed during the first session of the BNC in Harare last year.
In his remarks, President Mnangagwa said the high-level
bilateral platform helped the two countries identify common challenges and new
opportunities that should be addressed between now and the third session of the
BNC next year.
“I am pleased to note that this session has witnessed the
signing of MoUs and agreements, which set the foundation for our broader
cooperation in the identified areas,” he said.
“We must apply greater determination towards the full
implementation of these agreements for the benefit of our two countries and
peoples.
“There is no doubt that in working together and
consistently, we can achieve much more. Let us introspect and ask ourselves
whether we have exerted enough energy and shown adequate commitment to realise
progress in our cooperation.”
President Mnangagwa said both leaders were keen to ensure
the success of the bilateral engagements.
He urged officials at the technical level from both
countries to demonstrate zeal, focus and a sense of urgency through speedy
implementation of the agreed positions.
President Masisi reiterated his country’s support for
Zimbabwe, including the call for the lifting of sanctions imposed on the
country.
He concurred with President Mnangagwa on the need to ensure
the swift implementation of agreements and decisions throughout the year, as
opposed to waking up a few weeks before the convening of the next BNC.
This year’s BNC saw the two leaders exchanging views on
regional, continental and international issues of mutual interest and concern.
In a joint communiqué issued at the end of the BNC, the two
leaders reaffirmed the significance of the BNC as a bilateral instrument to
give strategic direction to the growing ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana.
They renewed their commitment towards the speedy conclusion
of joint regional projects such as the Points Techobanine Heavy Haul Railway
Line, which is a vital trade corridor envisaged to contribute towards greater
regional integration.
They emphasised the need to speed up the completion of
joint infrastructure projects, increased synergies on clean energy generation,
environmental cooperation and unlocking earnings from their rich wildlife
resources.
Botswana and Zimbabwe have set aside substantial areas for
wildlife conservation and have coordinated joint programmes such as the convening
of the Elephant Summit in Kasane in May last year and the Africa Wildlife
Economy Summit in Victoria Falls in June.
“This collaboration is expected to facilitate the
contribution of the wildlife estate towards sustainable economic and ecological
benefits for the local communities, and Africa as a whole,” reads the
communiqué.
The BNC underscored the need for increased private sector
collaboration as a key element in the implementation of economic decisions.
In this regard, a business forum was held on Wednesday
focusing on manufacturing, textiles and clothing, and services such as finance
and insurance.
Botswana and Zimbabwe committed themselves to working
closely towards the attainment of the regional integration agenda, in
particular the SADC industrialisation agenda.
The two Heads of State expressed concern over the outbreak
of Covid-19 in China and the serious health risks it poses to humanity. They expressed solidarity with the government
of China and commended its efforts in dealing with the pandemic.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa returned home yesterday
afternoon. He was welcomed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by
his two Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology
Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Chief Secretary to the President
and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda, service chiefs and other senior Government
officials were also present at the airport.
The President underwent coronavirus screening at the
airport, and got to see a brief demonstration of the COVID-19 surveillance
equipment sourced by Mimosa Mine. Herald
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