Zimbabwe-Botswana Strengthen Economic Ties

By Stella Madzivanyika

Zimbabwe and Botswana continue to enjoy their economic relationship rooted from the history and destiny which embodied in mutual desire to realize prosperity, this came out during a recently held meeting at Meikles Hotel, in Harare last week.

Over the past few years,  relationship between the two countries matured from the Bi-National Commission by two heads of state, thereby enhancing their bilateral relations.

There is a lot of progress in implementing the decisions that were agreed upon, in addressing developmental aspirations from the meeting that was held in Victoria Falls in February, this year.

“Since the last BNC in February 2022, our countries have had several high level exchange visits, the state visit to Zimbabwe, by the President of Republic of Botswana, His Excellence Cde Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetwe Masisi in September 2022”.

“We also exchange visits at Minesterial Consultation which converned in Harare in October, to discuss Foot and Mouth diseases after a joint Technical Committee Meeting held in Selibe Phikwe and produced a draft Framework Agreement in livestock Rustling.

We certainly hope that our Ministers will find an opportunity to sign the Framework, paving the way for it’s immediate implementation,” Said Ambossador James Manzou, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

The two parties are about to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on promotion of Cooperative Development and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development,” added Manzou.

Doctor Gladys Makhowa permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Botswana, thanked the government of Zimbabwe for the hospitable environment extended to Botswana delegation during  Masisi’s visit to Zimbabwe.

“I also wish to take this opportunity to thank the government of Zimbabwe for the hospitality that was extended to the Botswana delegation during his excellence President Magkweetsi Masisi’s state visit to Zimbabwe in September this year, during which he also officially opened the 112th session of the Zimbabwe Agricultural show.” Said Dr Makhowa.

I wish to thank the Zimbabwean government for the collaboration effort we continue to have to combat the devastating effects of livestock rustling along our common borders as well as the joint operations to eradicate the Foot and Mouth Disease especially after the disease outbreak that was reported in Botswana’s North East District, this year, ” she said.

Zimbabwe has been implementing many decisions in Bi_, national commission with regards to livestock and agriculture issues and security.

Josphat Nyika Chief Director of the Veterinary Services (MLAFWRD) Ministry of Lands Agriculture Forestry Water and Rural development said they were happy to be part of the mid term review of the 3rd Zimbabwe Botswana bi_national commission held in Victoria Falls early this year.

“All the agreements must be fulfilled, we are all pleased. Zimbabwe and Botswana relationship started before independence when they supported our liberation struggle. Botswana is now one of the fore runners for the sunctions removals. We are also happy with our two nations.

Botswana faced Foot and Mouth and we joined together in vaccination programs both countries had similar problems which we solved jointly,” added Nyika.