Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday rallied the Government and the generality of Zimbabweans to support President Mnangagwa as he continues to deliver the aspirations of the people.
The Zambian leader arrived in Harare yesterday morning for a working visit, which saw him co-Chairing the inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia Bi-National Commission (BNC) together with President Mnangagwa.
In his remarks, President Hichilema, who repeatedly referred to President Mnangagwa as his elder brother, stressed the need for the citizens to back 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 visit to Zimbabwe 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 countries.
President Hichilema also revealed that he frequently visited Zimbabwe on business before becoming Zambian 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 long-standing 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 who 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 deepen 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”.
“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 from the mining sector, is in Zimbabwe to tap into the country’s lithium mining expertise.
“We are here to learn, my team is here to learn on how you are managing lithium,” said President Hichilema.
He called for the removal of tariffs between the two countries to enhance trade and increase investments from one country to the other.
“So, if we are talking of (the) African (Continental) Free Trade Area, it must start with Zim-Zam (Zimbabwe and
“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 conveyed Zambia’s solidarity with Zimbabwe in calling for the unequivocal removal of Western-imposed unilateral coercive measures.
“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.
President Hichilema then emphasised the need for peace and tranquillity in both countries saying despondency would not yield any progressive results.
“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 focus on implementing the various Memoranda of Understanding signed during the BNC.
“Let’s put into practice what we have signed,” he said.
With regards to border cooperation, the Zambian President said the two countries should go beyond the one-stop-border-post to a non-stop-border-post.
