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Wallace Ruzvidzo Herald Reporter
The “Siamese twins” relations enjoyed between Zimbabwe and Zambia cannot be deterred by detracting forces who do not understand their depth and breadth, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava has said.
Zimbabwe and Zambia share strong relations dating back to their respective liberation struggles.
Beyond the liberation struggle tales, Harare and Lusaka have built socio-economic relations which have seen the two embarking on joint infrastructure development projects, including the construction of the Batoka Hydro Power Station.
Speaking at Zambia’s 59th National Day commemorations in Harare yesterday, Ambassador Shava said the Zimbabwean story could never be told without mention of Zambia and vice versa.
“This day is equally significant to us as it resonates with the Zimbabwean story, which can never be complete without the mention of Zambia and vice versa. Commonly referred to as Siamese twins, our two countries are not only conjoined geographically but also historically, culturally and in various other aspects.
“We share the great Zambezi River and the amazing Victoria Falls, locally called the Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning the smoke that thunders. The majestic falls are one of the seven natural wonders of the world, even if we may differ on whose side the best view of the falls is.
“We also shared the same name under the ill-fated Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland,” he said.
Ambassador Shava said it was worth noting that the excellent relations had been cemented through close collaboration in various social and economic endeavours.
He added that Harare was committed to working closely with Lusaka at regional, continental, and international levels for the mutual benefit of both peoples.
“We have a lot of outstanding agreements which have been exchanged between us and the meeting would give us a platform and impetus for their conclusion.
“Our two countries are also embarking on important infrastructure development projects which cannot be deterred by some among us who do not understand the depth and breadth of our relations,” he said.
“I also wish to reiterate Zimbabwe’s commitment to continue working closely with Zambia at the regional, continental and international levels as we seek to advance mutual aspirations.
“In this regard, we note the effects posed by climate change on global economies, especially our vulnerable African economies. We appreciate the concerted global efforts to address the negative impact through comprehensive adaptation and mitigation measures,” he said.
Zimbabwe, said Amb Shava, was grateful for the support rendered to it by Zambia and the rest of the SADC region in calling for the unequivocal removal of sanctions.
“It will be remiss of me if I do not take this opportunity, with profound appreciation, to thank the Government of the Republic of Zambia together with all SADC Member States for remaining steadfast in calling for the removal of the illegal and unjustified sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by some Western countries.
“We thank you most sincerely,” he said.
Minister Shava went on to outline some of the projects being collaborated on by the two countries, while expressing the tremendous trade potential in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
“I am glad to note that, recently the United Nations cleared our proposal to construct the Batoka Hydro Power station, which after completion will not only boost the production of electricity in our countries, but will also improve the livelihoods of our people.
“In addition, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of the Lion’s Den to Kafue Railway is now at signature stage and consultations are in progress with regards to the Kazungula Bridge Project and the Victoria Falls Bridge Project, only to mention a few.
“The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is also an important platform to boost our trade relations for the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries and peoples,” he said.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Derick Livune described relations between the two countries as “excellent”.
“The two countries continue to share excellent relations.
“In addition, Zambia and Zimbabwe have maintained good neighbourly relations and in this respect remained all weather friends, co-operating at bilateral, regional and international levels bound by strong historical ties having been both part of the federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland,” he said.
Online Reporter