27 Feb 2020

Cooperation between Botswana and Zimbabwe should promote an environment of sustained democracy, rule of law, good governance and vibrant economic progress.

This was said by Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Unity Dow at the ongoing Botswana-Zimbabwe Bi-national Commission session in Maun.

Giving opening remarks during the ministerial session, Dr Dow said the two countries’ mutually beneficial strategic partnership should enhance development and competitiveness of both economies.

That would improve the prospects of attracting more private sector investment and thus create the much-needed jobs, she said.

Dr Dow pointed out that by establishing the commission, both countries raised their people’s expectations.

She stressed the need to prioritise areas that would result in increasing jobs, poverty reduction and improving the dignity of all citizens.

“These are challenging tasks but are not insurmountable. I am confident that with our joint efforts and strong determination, they can be achieved not only in our lifetime but also in our political lifespan,” she added.

Working closely together, she said, they could succeed and move their cooperation and socio-economic development forward.  

Dr Dow expressed appreciation for the decision to elevate the two countries’ engagements to a bi-national commission saying it was in recognition of the ever-increasing scope and scale of cooperation in both countries’ economies.

She pointed out that the cooperation traversed a wide spectrum of areas including agriculture, health, education, tourism, environment, immigration, minerals, science and technology, transport, trade and industry.

Minister Dow said a lot of progress had been achieved within a short period of time saying 39 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) and agreements between the two countries out of which 13 had been signed.

Twenty-seven were still pending out of which seven were ready for signature, she said.

She said the summit would give them an opportunity to review progress made in the implementation of the bilateral agreements/MoUs.

Dr Dow urged her audience to find solutions to challenges hindering implementation.

She underscored the need to continue exploring new areas to broaden cooperation.

For the bilateral instruments to yield desired results, she explained, it was important that participants paid particular attention to close monitoring and regular follow-ups on commitments made.

In addition to bilateral cooperation, Dr Dow said the two countries continued to work together to advance their common positions and values at the regional, continental and global level.

The cooperation, she said, was crucial in efforts to address challenges that impede economic growth as well as peace and stability in the region and the continent at large.ends