Botswana commends Zim SADC leadership

Maun(New Ziana) –The Botswana government on Thursday patted Zimbabwe on the back for its strong leadership of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security which has ensured stability in the sub-region.

Zimbabwe assumed the rotational chairmanship of the Organ at last year’s SADC summit in Tanzania in August.

The Organ is responsible for ensuring peace and security in the region, and its role also includes leading SADC election observer teams to member states holding elections.

Botswana’s International Affairs and Cooperation Minister, Unity Dow said Zimbabwe’s leadership of the Organ had been impressive from day one.

“I wish to take this opportunity to commend your country for doing a sterling job as chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security,” she said.

“We acknowledge that since assuming this role, you have been busy as head of SADC election observation missions observing elections in Mozambique, Botswana, Mauritius and Namibia. We will definitely tap into your experience and wise counsel when we assume the chair in August this year.”

In response, Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Sibusiso Moyo said the country will support Botswana in every way when it takes over chairmanship of the Organ.

“Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your support during this past year to Zimbabwe in your capacity as vice chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security. When you assume the Chairmanship in August this year, I assure you that our support will be likewise, unflinching,” he said.

Moyo also noted, with satisfaction, that the two neighbouring countries continued to consult and support each other at bilateral, political and diplomatic level and at regional, continental and international fora.

“In 2019, that fraternal spirit was demonstrated as our two countries joined hands towards a common position at the CITES Cop 18 meeting where our two countries once again called for the review of the 1989 CITES ban on global ivory trade, which has done more harm than good to our elephant conservation efforts. I would like to assure you, Dear Colleague, of our continued commitment to working together on this issue and many others of mutual interest,” he said.

“I also want to take this moment, on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, to extend deep appreciation to Botswana as well as other SADC countries, for the resolute and principled stance taken on calling for the removal of the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and that historic decision taken to declare 25 October, Anti-Sanctions Day.”

New Ziana