Online Reporter
Good day, everyone.
Today we are coming to you live from the Harare International Conference Centre where the inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting in underway.
This momentous event marks a new chapter in the relationship between Zambia and Zimbabwe, highlighting their commitment to enhancing cooperation in vital areas such as trade, infrastructure, and regional development.
As Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema meets President Mnangagwa, both leaders are set to foster mutual respect and drive investments that will solidify bilateral ties.
This gathering not only signals a renewed focus on economic collaboration but also emphasises the importance of regional partnerships for stability and growth.
Join us for real-time updates and key outcomes as this pivotal meeting unfolds, paving the way for a prosperous future for both nations.
President Hichilema arrives in Zimbabwe
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has arrived at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport for the inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting, which is being hosted by President Mnangagwa.
President Hichilema was welcomed at the airport by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira; Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mlambo Haimbe and Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Zambia, Charity Charamba.
The visit marks a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries, following senior officials’ and ministerial meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and regional development.
The BNC underscores the growing partnership between Zimbabwe and Zambia as both nations seek to deepen economic and diplomatic ties.
President Mnangagwa to welcome Zambian counterpart
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the HICC for the inaugural session of the Zimbabwe-Zambia Bi-National Commission.
The President is now in briefing, as he also waits for the arrival of his Zambian counterpart, President Hichilema.
Several Cabinet Ministers and senior Government officials are now seated in the venue.
Zimbabwe and Zambia leaders embrace cooperation
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has warmly welcomed his Zambian counterpart, President Hakainde Hichilema, to Zimbabwe, setting a positive tone for their much-anticipated bilateral discussions.
In a gracious reception at the HICC, President Mnangagwa expressed his enthusiasm for this landmark meeting, highlighting the deep historical ties between the two nations.
Agenda for partnership set
Ministers and delegates from both Zimbabwe and Zambia have gathered for this significant meeting, symbolizing a united front in the pursuit of enhanced bilateral relations.
The presence of these high-ranking officials underscores the importance of collaborative discussions aimed at addressing shared challenges and seizing new opportunities.
BNC kicks off
President Mnangagwa and his Zambian counterpart President Hakainde Hichilema have entered the venue, marking the beginning of the official programme.
The two Presidents will jointly chair this ingaugaral session of the Zimbabwe-Zambia Bi-National Commission.
The meeting symbolises strengthening bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
President Mnangagwa calls for deeper Zimbabwe–Zambia cooperation
President Mnangagwa has emphasised the deep cultural and historical ties between Zimbabwe and Zambia, describing the two nations as inseparable partners whose shared heritage positions them to advance common development goals.
The President said the meeting marks a new phase in strengthening cooperation across key sectors.
He said the Zambian delegation’s visit comes at a time when the region is determined to confront persistent economic challenges through collective action.
President Mnangagwa went on to praise officials from both countries for their diligence in concluding the BNC framework, which has paved the way for the signing of multiple agreements and Memoranda of Understanding.
He highlighted the need for closer collaboration in infrastructure development, transport, energy and broader economic cooperation to improve the quality of life for citizens on both sides of the border.
The President outlined opportunities for cooperation in green economic initiatives and climate-change response measures.
He said tourism infrastructure development and efforts to boost arrivals should be prioritised to unlock shared benefits for the sector.
President Mnangagwa said young people must be empowered with the skills required to drive sustainable economic growth in both countries.
Turning to regional stability, President Mnangagwa expressed concern over the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC, reaffirming Zimbabwe and Zambia’s commitment to supporting peace efforts in the region.
President Hichilema pledges Zambia’s support for Zimbabwe’s growth
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has begun his remarks at the Zimbabwe-Zambia Bi-National Commission meeting, acknowledging President Emmerson Mnangagwa and thanking him for the warm welcome.
In his speech, President Hichilema noted that in Zambia, Zimbabwe is affectionately referred to as “across the river,” reflecting the close ties between the two countries.
He revealed that he frequently visited Zimbabwe on business before becoming President, saying, “It is always good to visit Harare.”
The Zambian President described the upgrade of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) to a Bi-National Commission (BNC) as a remarkable development, highlighting the long-standing relationship between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“Zimbabwe and Zambia have been together pre-independence. Our shared identity, solidarity, and deep bonds are just beginning to grow stronger and stronger,” he said.
President Hichilema emphasised the need to deepen relations between Harare and Lusaka, stating, “What we want to see now is to do many things that are yet to be done in developing our assets.”
He announced that a Zambian team focused on mining is in Zimbabwe to tap into the country’s lithium mining expertise, saying, “I think you are ahead on the lithium side.”
On trade, President Hichilema called for the removal of tariffs between the two countries to enhance trade and increase investments from one country to the other.
President Hichilema conveyed Zambia’s solidarity with Zimbabwe in calling for the unequivocal removal of Western-imposed unilateral coercive measures.
“I want to state clearly that Zambia reaffirms its support for the total lifting of sanctions on Zimbabwe,” he said.
Continue supporting President Mnangagwa: Hichilema
In his brief closing remarks, President Hichilema called ministries from both countries to put shoulder to the wheel in implementing the various Memoranda of Understanding signed during the BNC.
“Let’s put into practice what we have signed,” he said.
With regards to border cooperation, the Zambian President said the two countries should go beyond the one-stop-border-post to a non-stop-border-post.
He called on the Government of Zimbabwe and the people at large to continue supporting President Mnangagwa.
“Contine supporting the President,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urges full implementation of MoUs with Zambia
President Mnangagwa has called for the full implementation of the agreements signed between Zimbabwe and Zambia, saying the success of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) depends on translating cooperation frameworks into tangible development.
In his closing remarks at the BNC, President Mnangagwa said he was pleased that the session resulted in the signing of several MoUs across key sectors.
He said Zimbabwe and Zambia need to work hand in glove in pursuit of shared growth, urging ministers and technical teams from both countries to accelerate the implementation of the MoUs.
“Zimbabwe and Zambia now carry the responsibility to ensure that these commitments advance the prosperity of the two countries’ people,” he said.
The President also underscored the importance of safeguarding the sovereignty of the two nations.
He expressed gratitude to Zambia for its support of Zimbabwe’s bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations and for consistently calling for the lifting of Western-imposed sanctions, which he said continue to undermine progress in the country.
President Mnangagwa said he looks forward to travelling to Zambia for the Second Session of the BNC.
