Mozambique calls for sanctions removal

Zimbabwe, arguing the embargo was affecting the implementation of agreed development programmes between the two countries.
Minister Zucula said this in an address to the 10th session of the Zimbabwe/Mozam-bique Joint Permanent Commission on Thursday.

“If we have sanctions in Mozambique, Zimbabwe will suffer and, if we have sanctions in Zimbabwe, Mozambique will suffer. We have to move faster to implement the programmes we have agreed,” he said.
He added, “The 10th session comes at a very critical time when we are fighting against poverty and the financial crisis andchallenges brought to the people of Zimbabwe due to the sanctions.”

In the communique released after the meeting, the two countries called for the unconditional removal of the illegal sanctions.
“The Mozambican delegation reiterated its solidarity with Zimbabwe and reaffirmed its support for the Sadc position that the unwarranted sanctions imposed against Zimbabwe should be lifted unconditionally. The sanctions had adversely affected co-operation programmes between the two countries,” reads the communique.

The two countries urged business people from both sides to take advantage of the conducive business environment brought by the Preferential Trade Agreement signed in 2004 and Sadc Free Trade Area launched in 2008 to increase trade and investment.
“The Joint Commission noted the progress made in the establishment of structures for the management of shared water resources in particular the signing, ratification and entry into force of the Agreements establishing the Limpopo River and Zambezi River Basin Commissions as well as the Revised Sadc Protocol on Shared Water Courses,” the communique added.

The two countries also pledged to strengthen cooperation in various fields that included, agriculture, energy, transport, health, labour, education, social welfare, environment management and local governance among others.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, thanked the Mozambicans for their continued support.
“I would like to thank the government of Mozambique for the support we have received in combating the effects of the illegal sanctions, which have been imposed by our detractors. The support we have received from Mozambique and Sadc and other friendly countries have mitigated against the worst effects of these unwarranted sanctions,” he said.

Minister Mumbengegwi said Mozam-bique had provided support to Zimbabwe during and after the liberation struggle and the two countries were joined by strong cultural ties dating back centuries.
Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Mozambique, Agrippa Mutambara and his Mozambican counterpart Vicente Veloso also attended the meeting.