Online Reporter
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, has described relations between Zimbabwe and South Africa as “excellent, solid and enduring”, anchored on the two countries’ shared liberation history and longstanding peace and security architecture.
Speaking whilst co-chairing the Ministerial Segment of the 4th Session of the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Pretoria, Prof. Murwira said the two countries are determined to use their strong bilateral ties to deepen industrial cooperation, trade and tourism. He noted that bilateral trade currently exceeds US$5 billion, with scope for significant growth.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation in education, science, technology, innovation and culture, while promoting social cohesion and preserving the deep cultural and historical bonds between the peoples of the two countries.
Prof. Murwira stressed that Zimbabwe and South Africa should work together to confront shared development challenges, particularly poverty, saying the two countries should view themselves as partners in creating prosperity rather than competitors.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and Co-Chair, Hon. Ronald Lamola, said the strong political relationship and geographical proximity between the two countries create enormous opportunities for deeper economic cooperation.
He highlighted the need to strengthen the North-South Corridor, including the modernisation of road and rail infrastructure, border management and logistics, while expanding cooperation in energy, water security, agriculture, migration and digital connectivity.
The two countries are also seeking to expand trade and investment, strengthen agricultural value chains, promote mineral beneficiation, and encourage joint ventures, technology transfer, and industrial cooperation.
The BNC will provide a key platform for Zimbabwe and South Africa to translate their historic bonds into practical programmes that advance trade, investment, infrastructure development, energy and food security, while contributing to regional integration and broader regional development.
Bongani Ndlovu