Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo, Harare Bureau
ZAMBIAN President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday urged the Government and the people of Zimbabwe to rally behind President Mnangagwa as he continues to deliver on the nation’s aspirations.
The Zambian leader arrived in Harare yesterday morning for a working visit, during which he co-chaired the inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside President Mnangagwa.
In his remarks, President Hichilema — who repeatedly referred to President Mnangagwa as his elder brother — underscored the importance of citizens supporting the President’s vision for Zimbabwe’s growth and development.
“. . . I also ask the Cabinet (and people of Zimbabwe) to continue supporting this President,” he said.
President Hichilema said he “loved” the development and order he had witnessed in Zimbabwe. This was his first official visit to the country since assuming the Zambian presidency.
“Mr President, we love what we see here. We feel the positivity. We return home with our minds, our hearts (glad),” said President Hichilema.
He noted that in Zambia, Zimbabwe is affectionately referred to as “across the river”, reflecting the close ties between the two nations. President Hichilema also revealed that he frequently visited Zimbabwe on business before becoming President, adding that “it is always good to visit Harare”.
“. . . Harare is a very familiar city to some of us, and it’s been gracious and always good to visit Harare. So, thank you for your warm welcome and more importantly for this occasion . . . the graduation of our longstanding relationship,” he said.
The upgrade of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) to a Bi-National Commission (BNC) was described by President Hichilema as a remarkable development, highlighting the enduring relations between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“Zimbabwe and Zambia have been together pre-independence . . . You look at the historic sites in Zimbabwe (like) Munhumutapa, you look at the trade routes, in the Stone Age era, you see the routes from here crossing the river in Chirundu. Our shared identity, solidarity and deep bonds are just beginning to grow stronger and stronger,” he said.
“We need to walk the path that those that came before us walked . . . the people of Zimbabwe and the people of Zambia, at a people-to-people level, to continue deepening this partnership.”
President Hichilema emphasised the need to strengthen 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 urged ministers from both countries to accelerate implementation:
“What we want to see now, ministers of Finance of Zambia, Zimbabwe and your counterparts in Investment, Trade, Commerce, in Culture, and in many areas; what we urge you is to get on with the job, to do many things that are yet to be done in developing our assets. The Batoka Gorge project; we are tired of talking about it, we want to see steps taken to commence works on that asset,” he said.
The Zambian President also announced that a team from his country’s mining sector is in Zimbabwe to learn from its lithium mining expertise.
“We are here to learn, my team is here to learn on how you are managing lithium,” said President Hichilema.
On trade, he called for the removal of tariffs between the two countries to enhance commerce and boost investments.
“So, if we are talking of (the) African (Continental) Free Trade Area, it must start with Zim-Zam (Zimbabwe and Zambia). We, two countries, would like to see more joint investments; Zambian businesses, Zimbabwean businesses. When we talk of foreign direct investments, let’s not think of Europe, let’s think of Zim-Zam,” he said.
President Hichilema reaffirmed Zambia’s solidarity with Zimbabwe in calling for the unconditional removal of Western-imposed unilateral sanctions.
“I want to state very clearly here that Zambia reaffirms its unwavering support for the total lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe. If these sanctions had their value at the time, the value has expired. We need Zimbabwe to exercise its desire to develop the economy, to support its people. Sanctions on Zimbabwe affect us because they limit what we can do with each other, so we have a vested interest,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of peace and stability in both countries.
“People of Zimbabwe, people of Zambia, let’s remain peaceful. Chaos delivers nothing other than destruction. So, environmental peace, security, stability will allow us to focus on the development and opportunities for all,” he said.
In his closing remarks, President Hichilema called on ministries from both countries to prioritise implementing the various Memoranda of Understanding signed during the BNC.
“Let’s put into practice what we have signed,” he said.
On border cooperation, the Zambian leader said the two countries should move beyond the one-stop border post to a “non-stop border post”.
