Online Reporter
Africa Moyo in MAPUTO, Mozambique
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa says the cooperation framework under the inaugural Zimbabwe-Mozambique Bi-National Commission (BNC) provides him and his Mozambican counterpart, Daniel Chapo, a platform to lead the implementation of joint projects from the front.
As the two countries continue to deepen their historical relations, they resolved during the BNC to explore new frontiers of cooperation.
Key projects agreed on under the BNC include the immediate establishment of a dry port facility in Beira, modernisation of the oil pipeline and the setting up of a one-stop border post at Forbes/ Machipanda to allow flawless movement of goods and people between the two countries.
The two countries also signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Women Empowerment and Gender Equality, Youth Development and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
In his address at a dinner hosted for him by President Chapo on Friday, President Mnangagwa said the inaugural BNC was a perfect opportunity for the leaders of the two all-weather friends to champion development that leaves no one behind.
“Our co-operation framework under the BNC avails the opportunity for the two of us, Your Excellency, to lead from the front as we drive and supervise the implementation of our joint projects and programmes,” said the President.
“Over the years, we have witnessed co-operation in major sectors such as energy, transport, wildlife management and security, among others. Zimbabwe stands ready to deepen and explore new frontiers of co-operation and synergies in agriculture, education, joint infrastructure development, mining, science and technology, along with other emerging fields.”
In agriculture, joint initiatives in developing sustainable value chains, climate resilience and improving market access will be pursued under the BNC.
With regards to science and technology cooperation, ministries responsible for Higher Education and Innovation, from the two countries, have been challenged to collaborate as well as strengthen innovation, research and technology partnerships.
President Mnangagwa said under Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, and driven by the national development philosophy, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo”, Harare is increasing its capabilities to innovate and produce, instead of relying on imports.
“We, in Zimbabwe, are ready to chart the path towards self-sufficiency together with you, our brothers and sisters here in Mozambique,” he said.
The President added that his visits to Mozambique always invoke memories of the two nations’ shared past and the rich liberation war heritage that intricately binds them.
This inescapable past, he said, must help shape Zimbabwe and Mozambique’s contemporary and strategic relations while also informing the common future that must be built for generations to come.
“The people of Zimbabwe shall never forget the sacrifice of our brothers and sisters here in Mozambique. Even today, Mozambique has stood with Zimbabwe in the fight against the illegal and unjustified sanctions.
“We are one people and citizens of this great SADC region. Mozambique can always count on Zimbabwe as we explore the opportunities availed by the abundant resources of our two countries,” he said.
The President added that hand-in-hand and step-by-step, Zimbabwe and Mozambique must face head-on the contemporary challenges such as terrorism, climate change and other global shocks.
In all their endeavours, Zimbabweans and Mozambicans have been rallied to remain mindful of the fact that the responsibility to build and develop their countries is on their shoulders.
And as the citizens build their nations, President Mnangagwa assured President Chapo that Zimbabwe “will always be a reliable ally of Mozambique”.
In his remarks, President Chapo hailed President Mnangagwa’s visit, which was the first State visit since his inauguration on January 15 this year.
“The presence of you, Your Excellency, in Mozambique, is a witness to the vitality of our friendship, our relationship, solidarity and co-operation between our two peoples.
“We are sister countries connected by historical ties, cultural and geographical ties, in the common fight for freedom,” he said.
President Chapo added that during his tenure as Mozambique’s President, he will continue to strengthen relations with Zimbabwe.
Former Mozambique President Armando Emílio Guebuza was among the dignitaries who attended the welcome dinner.
In a communiqué released at the end of the inaugural BNC, Presidents Mnangagwa and Chapo agreed, inter alia, to the implementation of trade facilitation measures through the elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade under the SADC and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) frameworks, as well as to eliminate all barriers to the movement of people between the two countries.
Zimbabwe also acknowledged and appreciated Mozambique’s support for its bid for a United Nations Security Council non-permanent seat for the period 2027 to 2028.
Harare also appreciated Maputo’s continued commitment to advocating for the unconditional removal of illegal, unilateral sanctions imposed by the West since 2001.
The two leaders further underscored the need to strengthen coordination mechanisms within SADC, the African union and the United Nations as a means of promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and across the continent.
Presidents Mnangagwa and Chapo appreciated government and private sector collaborations, which have been enhanced by the convening of the Mozambique-Zimbabwe Business Forum that ran on the sidelines of the State visit.
In addition, the Heads of State and Government applauded the signing of the MoU on Community Development, Women Empowerment and Gender Affairs, the MoU Concerning Co-operation on Promotion of Co-operatives Development and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and the MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Youth.
