Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
POLITICAL and diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea must be transformed into trade and investment through facilitation of business-to-business linkages and addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers, among other measures, to improve the lives of ordinary people in the two countries.
This was said by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira while delivering closing remarks during the two countries’ inaugural Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) Ministers’ meeting in Harare yesterday.
“It is evident that our economic and trade relations do not yet reflect the strength of our political and diplomatic ties. This imbalance must be corrected with urgency and purpose. Trade and investment cooperation must now become the central pillar of our partnership. We must prioritise practical measures to facilitate business-to-business linkages, improve logistics and connectivity, and address tariff and non-tariff barriers that constrain trade flows,” said Prof Murwira.
“We must further direct our efforts towards high-impact sectors, including energy, agriculture, tourism, transport, education and mining, where there is clear potential for mutual benefit. Let us actively promote joint ventures, value addition and technology transfer, ensuring that our cooperation translates into jobs, growth and improved livelihoods for our people.”
There was need, he said, for constant dialogue between the two countries.
“Going forward, our engagement must be continuous and structured. Political and diplomatic consultations should be held regularly, and our missions in Harare and Malabo must play a proactive role in driving implementation, facilitating exchanges and identifying new opportunities for collaboration,” he said.
“As we close, let us carry forward a shared commitment to action, accountability and results. The foundation has been laid; the responsibility now rests upon us to build upon it with urgency and purpose.”
Prof Murwira said the just-ended JPCC showed the two countries’ collective resolve to translate political goodwill into structured and sustained cooperation.
“The responsibility now shifts from negotiation to execution. The true measure of this session will not be the number of agreements signed, but the extent to which they are implemented and deliver tangible impact,” he added.
“Each sector must develop clear implementation plans, with defined timelines, responsible focal points and measurable outcomes.”
Speaking at the same occasion, Equatorial Guinea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Diaspora Mr Simeon Oyono Esono Angue said the two countries should continue pursuing cooperation in many areas for their mutual benefit.
“The cooperation should translate into improving the lives of our people, who are waiting for tangible results,” he said.
Minister Angue said Malabo was committed to implement all agreed positions from the meetings they have held and emphasised the deep bond between the two countries.
“Equatorial Guinea considers Zimbabwe as a brotherly and strategic partner on the African continent. Our countries share a common vision based on the promotion of African unity, the sovereignty of our states, regional stability and the pursuit of African solutions to African challenges,” he said.
He threw the country’s weight behind Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, whose election will be held next month.
“We also want to tell you that Equatorial Guinea is collaborating with Zimbabwe for its future in the UN. We know that Zimbabwe is an African country. Zimbabwe knows how to defend African interests in the international context to promote peace and security,” said Minister Angue.
The JPCC started on Friday, with senior officials, led by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, deliberating on issues affecting the two countries in different sectors.
Yesterday’s event was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Permanent Secretaries of different ministries and senior Government officials.
