Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE and Zambia yesterday signed an agreement to establish a Bi-National Commission to elevate their historic relationship to be handled at Head of State level, with the northern neighbour’s President Hakainde Hichilema expected to make a State visit before year-end.
The agreement was signed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira and Zambia’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe.
It was signed at the end of the three-day Mid-Term Review of the 18th Session of the Zimbabwe/Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) held in Harare.
The agreement comes a few weeks after President Hichilema said Zimbabwe and Zambia shared a long history of working together, dating back to before colonisation, adding that the ties should be kept like that by future leaders.
Minister Haimbe described the signing of the agreement as a landmark development in relations between the two countries.
“A major highlight and indeed a key deliverable of this meeting is the signing of the BNC. This landmark achievement elevates our bilateral cooperation to the highest level and marks a new chapter in the strategic partnership between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“Through this agreement, we have institutionalised our collaboration at the Heads State level, which will ensure that there will be greater political oversight, accountability and sustainability in the implementation of joint programmes.
“The significance of this development cannot be overstated. The BNC will provide a more robust and structured framework to deepen cooperation across various sectors from trade and investment to infrastructure development, security, health and education,” he said.
Minister Haimbe added that the agreement was also a testament to the two countries’ unwavering commitment to advancing the shared prosperity and well-being of their respective citizens and commended the manner in which negotiations had been conducted.
“Throughout this review, I have been greatly encouraged by the spirit of mutual respect and solidarity that has guided our discussions. We have reaffirmed our historical ties and demonstrated a common resolve to turn our decisions into action.
“The commitments we have made here today will only be a fruit if we follow them with dedication and sustainable political will,” he said.
Minister Haimbe also confirmed the expected visit of President Hichilema to Zimbabwe.
In his remarks, Prof Murwira said the Mid-Term Review had been critical in exposing opportunities in the two countries.
“This MTR has been critical in highlighting the vast opportunities available for our two countries, if we purposefully harness our heritage and resources,” Prof Murwira said.
“Let me repeat that Zambia and Zimbabwe enjoy common ownership of, and access to Kariba and the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We are, together, blessed with plentiful flora and fauna that straddles our common boundary. We have plenty of minerals and agricultural land.
“There is no need for trade barriers between our two countries. Our efforts today, were, therefore, designed to maximise and harness our common heritage and our birthright, so that these can benefit our countries and our people, and not to depend more and more on foreign aid.”
Prof Murwira added that Zimbabwe and Zambia are not poor and are poised for spectacular progress and prosperity, based on common heritage, industry, innovation and the business acumen of their citizens.
“Economic development and infrastructure enhancement should remain at the centre of our bilateral engagements as we implement the various projects and programmes we have set ourselves,” he said.
Prof Murwira said the two nations will now reflect on this session of the MTR and the commitments made collectively to address rising inequality, unequal technological advances, climate change, food insecurity, among others.
“Together we can overcome,” he said.
It is important to take advantage of the trade and investment opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), added Prof Murwira.
