26 Feb 2020

Botswana and Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission has made positive strides  in a number of areas including mining, energy, anti-corruption, defence and police matters since its inception last year. 

This was said by Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation permanent secretary, Mr Gaeimelwe Goitsemang at the ongoing 2nd session of the commission held at Maun Lodge. 

In his opening remarks, Mr Goitsemang  said the commission’s mid-term review showed growth and expansion in the two countries’ bilateral relations.

“I am also aware that a number of exchanges have taken place between our various ministries and departments. This shows that we have the commitment and the spirit of friendship and good relations,” he said.

Mr Goitsemang said the existing cordial working relations between officials from both countries at various levels would provide the necessary environment for finding solutions to unlock challenges that might impede implementation.

He told participants that they had an obligation to deliver on the commitments made by the head of states, therefore, the resolutions adopted should not only enhance collaboration at institutional level but must have direct impact in improving citizens’ livelihoods.

As such, he said, they were expected to present concrete and tangible outcomes.

The permanent secretary said there were  still a number of pending agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) noting that five of the draft instruments were to be finalised during the session.

The instruments earmarked for finalisation were in the areas of health, low-cost housing, employment and labour, technical and vocational education as well as mutual legal assistance, he said..

Mr Goitsemang said although it might seem like a significant achievement, it still fell below what was agreed by their principals explaining that 14 instruments were earmarked for signing during the session.

He challenged participants to find more creative approaches to bring meaningful progress and propel the bilateral cooperation to even greater heights.

For his part, Zimbabwe’s  head delegation and for Foreign Affairs and International Trade permanent secretary, Mr James Manzou concurred that the commission had borne fruits despite some pending MoUs. 

He also commended the ministries and departments which took heed of the two leaders’ exhortation at the second session to focus on timeous implementation. 

Mr Manzou said in the political and diplomatic area, both countries continued to consult closely at the bilateral, regional, continental and international levels.

 “This commitment should give us even greater impetus to implement economic and social programmes that have a direct impact on the welfare of our people,” he said.

Mr Manzou expressed gratitude that progress had been made in several areas including immigration, mining, environment  tourism, wildlife, water and agriculture. 

He called for the speeding up of technical cooperation in the diamond sector. ends