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Lincoln Towindo in MAUN, Botswana
HARARE and Gaborone are reaping the rewards of robust cooperation and collaboration across multiple sectors following the elevation of the two countries’ diplomatic exchanges to the level of a Bi-National Commission (BNC) in 2018.
This strategic partnership has also helped foster enhanced regional integration across SADC, while improving the livelihoods of people in the two countries.
The two countries officially upgraded their bilateral relations to the BNC level in 2018, marking a significant step in strengthening co-operation across political, economic, social as well as defence and security spheres.
The inaugural BNC was held in 2019.
In an interview on the sidelines of the Fourth Session of the Botswana-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) being held here, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Botswana Batiraishe Henry Mukonoweshuro said the upgrading of bilateral relations had facilitated enhanced co-operation.
“The Botswana-Zimbabwe relations have never been this close and deep. We are very grateful to the Second Republic for that. Since 2018 when His Excellency, President Mnangagwa visited Botswana, we have been seeing that the relations have been cascading even to the common people, where our people are happy to coexist with Batswana.
“On the economic front a lot of things are happening. We are happy that with the new focus of opening up . . . issues of horticulture . . . they might help us, especially in the areas bordering us. Our farmers may supply some fresh fruits and vegetables during the times their farmers are not producing enough.
“We are also happy that we continue to cooperate in the fight against foot and mouth disease and livestock rustling around the border.”
Presently, he said, efforts were being directed towards enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector.
“This is something that we should emulate and learn.
“We hope that we can do much more in terms cooperating in the diamond space as well, because they have managed to beneficiate a lot and they have managed to secure very good deals with investors.
“So, if we manage to have a template from them to see how much of the royalties and how much of the shares our Government can get whenever a company sets up their diamond mining company in Zimbabwe, that would be great.”
Ambassador Mukonoweshuro said Botswana had access to the global diamond market and Zimbabwe could also learn from its western neighbour on how to carve out its own niche.
“In terms of tourism, they have a lot here in Maun and the Okavango Delta; so we are looking at cooperating and having some twinning arrangements especially between Kasane and Victoria Falls where people can have packages and travel between the two destinations and enjoy the wildlife and other natural riches that our two countries are bestowed with.”
Botswana’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Sarah Molosiwa said elevation of the bilateral ties between Harare and Gaborone has ensured greater cooperation in various spheres.
“Botswana-Zimbabwe relations have been there for some time; even before the establishment of Joint Commission, which was the platform for the initial interaction of the two countries especially on the discussions that would drive economic, social political and even defence and security cooperation among these two countries.
“The Joint Commission, if you remember, was upgraded to a Bi-National Commission, which is now being driven by the two Heads of State of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Botswana.
“Now since 2019 it was upgraded to the Presidential level.
“So, we are going to be seeing our two Presidents in a few days’ time being part of these decisions and discussions so that they can guide the implementation of a number issues that we articulate ourselves as two neighbouring countries.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter