Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE has been saluted for its unwavering commitment to regional integration and cooperation following the successful hosting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Cluster Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology in Bulawayo.
Speaking during the closing ceremony at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) on Friday, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Mrs Angele Makombo N’tumba, praised the Government and people of Zimbabwe for their warm hospitality and excellent organisation of the high-level meeting.
“On behalf of the SADC Secretariat and all delegates attending this meeting, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe for the warm welcome, excellent arrangements and generous hospitality extended to us since our arrival here in the beautiful city of Bulawayo,” she said.
Mrs N’tumba said Bulawayo, popularly known as the City of Kings and Queens had lived up to its reputation, with delegates enjoying exceptional hospitality throughout their stay.
“I understand Bulawayo is also known as the City of Kings. We have indeed been treated as kings and queens by extension,” she said.
She noted that for many delegates, including some from the SADC Secretariat, it was their first visit to Bulawayo, providing them with an opportunity to experience the city’s rich heritage and the renowned hospitality of Zimbabweans.
Mrs N’tumba also highlighted Zimbabwe’s growing role in advancing the regional integration agenda, noting that the country had hosted two consecutive SADC Cluster Meetings following the previous gathering in Harare in February last year.
She said the achievement demonstrated the importance the Government of Zimbabwe attaches to regional cooperation and its commitment to creating an enabling environment for constructive dialogue and collective decision-making among SADC member states.
“This continued commitment is highly commendable and reflects Zimbabwe’s steadfast support for the regional integration agenda. It also demonstrates the importance attached by the Government of Zimbabwe to fostering regional cooperation and providing a conducive environment for meaningful dialogue and decision-making among Member States,” she said.
The five-day meeting brought together ministers and senior officials responsible for transport, ICT, information and meteorology from across the SADC region to review progress on regional programmes and adopt resolutions aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, digital transformation and deeper regional integration.
