Zimbabwe, Zambia relations remain excellent, strong as ever

ZIMBABWE enjoys excellent bilateral relations with its northern neighbour, Zambia, and the two countries are committed to consolidating the cordial ties for mutually beneficial outcomes.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said this yesterday as he presented the post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare.

He said Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, last Friday attended a Zambia-Zimbabwe Bilateral Consultative Meeting held in Livingstone, where the neighbouring country re-affirmed its commitment to preserving existing relations.

“The Ministerial Session of the Bilateral Consultative Meeting was attended by the Zambian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Zimbabwe Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, together with the Zimbabwean Ambassador to Zambia and the Zambian Ambassador to Zimbabwe and other senior Government officials from both countries,” said Dr Muswere.

“The meeting discussed matters of mutual interest with a view to preserving and consolidating the excellent bilateral relations that have always existed between the countries. Cabinet wishes to reiterate that the relations between the two countries remain strong and excellent as ever.”

He said Vice-President Kembo Mohadi also briefed Cabinet on his visit to Lesotho for its 58th independence anniversary where he used the engagement to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

Dr Muswere said following Vice-President Mohadi’s visit, there has been an agrement to establish a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation between Zimbabwe and Lesotho next year before the end of the second quarter.

“That the Ministries of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, and Tourism and Hospitality Industry exchange high level visits to the cultural village of Basotho so that they can implement it in our country as tourist’s attraction centres,” he said.

“That Zimbabwe engages Lesotho government relating to initiation of Memoranda of Understanding in potential areas of cooperation,” said Dr Muswere.

He said Vice-President Mohadi also briefed Cabinet on his visit to the inauguration of United Mexican State President-Elect, Ms Claudia Sheinbaum, where it was resolved that Zimbabwe should increase trade relations with the South American country.

Dr Muswere said Zimbabwe can tap into Mexico’s advanced skills in areas such as agriculture and mining with Vice-President Mohadi’s visit being a launch-pad for deepened cooperation.

“It is highlighted that the United Mexican States’ economy is expanding rapidly and would benefit from Zimbabwe’s minerals, especially the rare earth minerals, and work together in order to reap the benefits accruing from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA),” he said.

“In terms of industry, the nation is informed that the United Mexican States is advanced in motor vehicle and general manufacturing, agriculture, oil, and iron and steel, therefore, Zimbabwe can tap into their knowledge to improve, especially through technology transfer.

“Cabinet further advises that the administration of President Sheinbaum will adopt a whole-of-Africa approach in its diplomatic thrust,” he said.

Dr Muswere said VP Mohadi also briefed Cabinet on his participation of the 12th Annual Conference of Speakers of African National and Regional Parliaments, Pan African Parliament, where he challenged the continental Parliamentarians to come up with home grown solutions to African problems. The conference was held in September in South Africa. — @nqotshili