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 economic interest and agreed to convene a Bi-National Commission in January as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration.
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.
Deputy President Mashatile thanked Zimbabwe for supporting South Africa’s G20 presidency.
“South Africa appreciates the support we are receiving from Zimbabwe, particularly our leadership of SADC at the moment. We also appreciate Zimbabwe for coming to support our G20 presidency,” he said.
VP Chiwenga expressed gratitude to South Africa for the assistance provided to Zimbabweans affected by a recent tragic bus accident in South Africa, which resulted in the loss of over 40 lives, including Zimbabweans.
“We appreciate the South African authorities’ swift response. This gesture of goodwill reaffirms our strong bilateral ties and shared commitment to the welfare of our citizens.
“I am particularly grateful that they are still taking care of those injured in the bus disaster,” said VP Chiwenga.
