Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
CABINET has approved the establishment of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) for cooperation between Zimbabwe and Lesotho to address issues of mutual benefit between the two countries.
The development follows a recent visit to the Kingdom of Lesotho by Vice President Kembo Mohadi to witness the bicentenary and 58th Independence Celebrations held in Maseru.
The Vice President who represented President Mnangagwa also had the opportunity to engage with the Basotho leaders on a number of bilateral issues.
He also had an interactive session with Zimbabweans based in that country where a number of issues of cooperation were discussed.
The VP updated the nationals on the progress on economic and infrastructure development matters at home.
Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere confirmed the latest development during a post cabinet media briefing on Tuesday.
“Cabinet approved as follows: a) that Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation, as a legal framework to guide cooperation between Zimbabwe and Lesotho be put in place in the Second Quarter of 2025,” said Minister Muswere.
“In addition Cabinet also approved that the Ministries of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, and Tourism and Hospitality Industry exchange high level visits to the cultural village of Basotho so that they can implement it in our country as tourist’s attraction centres and that Zimbabwe engages Lesotho Government relating to initiation of Memoranda of Understanding in potential areas of cooperation.”
During his visit to Lesotho, Vice President Mohadi said Zimbabwe’s diplomatic relationship with Lesotho remains stronger and leaders from the two nations continue to work together for the advancement of peace, unity and key issues of mutual benefit for the two countries and the Sadc region. He commended the Basotho for its rich and vibrant history and their remarkable journey of bravery, unity, and strength that has characterized this nation over the past 200 years.
The story of Lesotho, Vice President Mohadi said, was one of courage, hope, and a relentless pursuit of peace, freedom and dignity not just for Basotho but for the people of the Sadc region. He said in the spirit of solidarity and shared experiences Zimbabwe was honoured and pleased to receive the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable, Mr Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane at the recently held SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare.
“His presence and contributions at the Summit further confirmed Lesotho’s unwavering support for and dedication to the advancement of the people of our Region. On the side-lines of the Summit, we had the opportunity to meet and discuss key issues of mutual benefit for our countries,” said Vice President Mohadi.
“The glorious history of your Kingdom and its people has demonstrated the enduring value of regional solidarity and cooperation in fostering unity, peace, stability and sustainable development at the national and regional levels.
“In the face of such challenges as climate change, conflicts and a highly polarized global community, it behoves us to draw from these experiences and be emboldened in the choices we make as a region to propel us all to success, prosperity and, above all, stability”.
He said Lesotho had weathered many storms and had emerged stronger and wished the country many more years of peace, prosperity and success.
Online Reporter