Zimbabwe, Botswana to sign seven MoUs

Maun, Botswana (New Ziana) – At least seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements in various fields will be signed at the second Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC) this week, a Cabinet Minister said on Thursday.

Speaking at the official opening of the ministerial session of the BNC, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo said ties between Harare and Gaborone were growing, and diversifying.

“I am pleased to note that thirteen agreements and Memoranda of Understanding in various fields currently exist between our two countries, with the latest signed being the MoU on Combating Corruption,” he said.

“Furthermore, I am informed that several agreements and MoUs are ready for signing during this BNC session, thereby signalling an expansion of cooperation between our sister countries.”

Moyo said significant progress in relations had been recorded since the two countries upgraded ties to BNC level last year, and emphasised the need to ensure implementation of agreed projects and programs for mutual benefit.

“I wish to once again emphasize to our officials that the signing of these agreements is not an end in itself but should pave way for bolstering bilateral cooperation and the transformation of our economies. It is only through diligent implementation of these instruments that we will be able to deliver a better life to our peoples, who after all, are the centrepiece of our bilateral relationship,” he said.

He said in the last few years, Zimbabwe-Botswana relations had become dynamic as manifested by the high-level exchange of visits and meetings.

“Together, we can nurture our relations and chart a common future through the BNC forum. Zimbabwe and Botswana are not only united by a common border, but by deep historical, cultural and social affinities which have inter-twined the destinies of our two peoples. It is the recognition of that shared destiny and the commitment to the prosperity of our two peoples that inspired our leaders to act to broaden the scope of our cooperation,” Moyo said.

“The BNC clearly indicates that we are united in our vision of achieving the economic and social upliftment of our people. Most importantly, it reflects the solidarity between our people and our governments’ collective desire for ever-lasting peace and development in the region and the continent,” he said.

Moyo said there was need to further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries, but highlighted that success in this endeavour required the buy-in of the private sector from both countries.

He said continued improvement of the investment environment for the private sector to invest in both countries was paramount to secure business’ buy-in.

To boost economic relations, he said, the two countries also needed to develop the necessary infrastructure that facilitates the exchange of goods and services.

For example, he said, Zimbabwe and Botswana were currently cooperating on two major infrastructure projects, the Ponta Techobanine Railway Project and the Kazungula Bridge Project.

“It is unfortunate that the level of trade between our two countries has been on a downward trend considering the diversity and distinctiveness of both our economies. Trade is critical to our two countries’ prosperity – it fuels economic growth, creates jobs and raises living standards, and should be prioritized in our bilateral partnership,” said Moyo.

“Furthermore, we need to expedite the conclusion of various agreements that will eliminate market restrictive measures like the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation, the Draft MoU on Cooperatives Development and the Draft MoU on Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises.”

His Batswana counterpart, International Affairs and Cooperation Minister Unity Dow said her country attached great importance to relations between the two countries.

She said cooperation between Gaborone and Harare encompassed a wide spectrum of areas including agriculture, energy, health, defence, security, tourism, environment and transport.
“I am of the conviction that by establishing the BNC we undoubtedly raised the expectations of our people, we must therefore live up to our promise of ensuring that we find solutions to their challenges, these meetings are about at the end of the day addressing the challenges of our people,” Dow said.
“These are challenging tasks, but are not insurmountable, I am confident that with our joint efforts and strong commitment they can be achieved not only in our lifetime but also in our political lifespan.”
New Ziana