Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere in JOHANNESBURG, South Africa
VICE President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has paid a courtesy call on his South African counterpart, Deputy President Paul Mashatile on the sidelines of the ongoing G20 summit.
The two leaders discussed areas of mutual interest and agreed to convene a Bi-National Commission (BNC) in January as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Deputy President Mashatile expressed gratitude to Zimbabwe’s support during South Africa’s G20 presidency.
“South Africa appreciates the support we are receiving from Zimbabwe, particularly our leadership of SADC at the moment,” he said.
“We appreciate Zimbabwe for coming to support our G20 presidency.”
VP Chiwenga also thanked Deputy President Mashatile for the assistance extended to Zimbabweans involved in a recent tragic bus accident in South Africa, which claimed the lives of 46 Zimbabweans.
“We appreciate the swift response by the South African authorities. This gesture of goodwill reaffirms our strong bilateral ties and our shared commitment to the welfare of our citizens,” said VP Chiwenga.
“I am particularly grateful that they are still taking care of those injured in the bus disaster.”
South Africa is Zimbabwe’s largest trading partner, accounting for about 46 percent of Zimbabwe’s total imports and around 30 percent of Zimbabwe’s total exports.
