Botswana, Zim celebrate unity, friendship

Takudzwa Mangrozah and Anesu January

ZIMBABWE and Botswana have reaffirmed their diplomatic ties, celebrating over four decades of friendship and commitment to strengthening bilateral ties while promoting regional peace and development.

This came out at the celebrations of Botswana’s 59th Independence anniversary in Harare yesterday.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, who attended the celebrations, said Botswana continues to shine as a beacon of what is possible when visionary leadership, national unity, and strong institutions work hand in hand.

“As Botswana marks its 59 years of Independence, it rightfully stands tall, not only as a proud nation, but as an example to Africa and the world of resilience, discipline and development,” he said.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira(right) toasts with Botswana Ambassador to Zimbabwe Sarah Molosiwa (left) during Botswana’s 59th independence commemorations day in Harare yesterday -Picture: Tinashe Chitwanga.

Prof Murwira said Zimbabwe and Botswana share a lot, more than a common border.

“Our two nations are bound by history, blood, culture and by shared aspirations. Generations of our peoples have lived, worked and celebrated together as one family,” he said.

“Our bilateral relations are anchored in cooperation across multiple sectors. Trade between Zimbabwe and Botswana remains a cornerstone of our bilateral relations.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira addresses the delegates during Botswana’s 59th independence commemorations day in Harare yesterday.

“As we commemorate Botswana’s Independence here in Harare, let me also reaffirm our shared commitment to Pan-Africanism and regional solidarity. Both Zimbabwe and Botswana continue to play vital roles within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African union (AU).”

Government and the people of Zimbabwe wish that Botswana continues to flourish in peace, unity and prosperity.

Botswana’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Sarah Molosiwa, said her country’s independence journey remains a symbol of resilience and unity.

Botswana Ambassador to Zimbabwe Sarah Molosiwa addresses the delegates during Botswana’s 59th independence commemorations day in Harare yesterday.

She added that Botswana continues to uphold democratic values and peace as the foundation of its national identity, adding that the country faced tremendous challenges, harsh climatic conditions, limited resources and hostile administrations as a colony.

“Nevertheless, our people never relinquished the fight to define their own identity and future. Despite all those challenges, the people of Botswana held a quiet strength and when the winds of African independence began to sweep across the continent, our people too began to organise themselves under the leadership of the late Seretse Khama, one of our most influential figures in this movement,” she said.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira (left) ,Botswana Ambassador to Zimbabwe Sarah Molosiwa (centre) and other delegates follow proceedings during Botswana’s 59th independence commemorations day in Harare yesterday.

Ambassador Molosiwa said Botswana walks shoulder-to-shoulder with its sister country, Zimbabwe, in uplifting the livelihoods of the people and economies.

“As a result, we have signed a number of Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements as frameworks and legal instruments that guide us in supporting one another and working together as our countries aim at achieving excellence and as neighbouring and sister countries sharing common borders.