28 Feb 2019

Botswana has reaffirmed its commitment to work with Zimbabwe in addressing the latter’s economic challenges and has called for the unconditional removal of sanctions imposed on the country.

Speaking at a dinner in honour of the Botswana delegation to the inaugural session of the Botswana-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission in Harare on February 27, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said the sanctions were a major stumbling block with serious deleterious effects on Zimbabwe’s efforts towards full economic recovery.

President Masisi however said Botswana was encouraged by the agenda that Zimbabwe had embarked upon to boost economic recovery including  national dialogue initiatives.

“We hope that this will not only serve as a catalyst for national reconciliation, but will also energise the people of Zimbabwe to work together for a common purpose, namely, the country’s political stability and economic recovery,” he said

Dr Masisi said the decision to elevate the bilateral mechanisms between the two countries to a Bi-National Commission was informed by the importance that the two attached to each other as neighbours and strategic partners.

“This is reflective of our resolve to intensify our collective efforts towards creating opportunities for our people in order to improve their standard of living,” he said.

He said the commission provided a platform for regular engagements and was fundamental in enabling the two countries to evaluate progress in the implementation of such commitments, reflect on challenges and search for new opportunities.

Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe stood ready to work with Botswana to embrace a new era of cooperation.

He reiterated that the decision to elevate the ioint permanent commission on cooperation to a bi-national one was reaffirmation of the desire to enhance and amplify the potential for cooperation.

“This was acknowledgement that our bilateral relations have reached a stage where the issues involved require the attention of the highest levels of our governments,” he said.

President Mnangagwa shared the same sentiments with Dr Masisi that Zimbabwe remained burdened by the illegal western sanctions which continued to weigh heavily against its developmental efforts.

He said his country was grateful for the support and invaluable contribution of SADC, African Union and other progressive nations of the world towards Zimbabwe’s economic progress, peace and stability.

He thanked Botswana for her spirit of solidarity and brotherhood adding that he looked forward to closer and more fruitful cooperation between the two countries.ends