05 Sep 2022

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has reiterated his call on the European Union and the US to unconditionally lift the remaining sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe in 2002.

It was clear that the sanctions were not only affecting the country’s economy but also the livelihood of the average Zimbabwean, he told guests at a state banquet hosted in his honour by Zimbabwe’s  President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa Thursday.

 In addition, Dr Masisi said Zimbabwe's neighbours, including Botswana, the region and beyond were feeling the brunt and negative effects of the sanctions one way or the other.

He said due to the sanctions, many Zimbabweans were forced to seek economic comfort in neighbouring states, which stretched host countries’ social infrastructure.

Dr Masisi said Botswana would continue to add its voice in advocating for the unconditional lifting of all sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.

On other issues, he said the cordial relations existing between Botswana and Zimbabwe continued to pay huge dividends at the political level especially following resumption of the two countries’ bi-national commission.

He said it was important to leverage on the momentum created by the commission and take stock on the implementation of agreed commitments.

 New avenues of cooperation should also be explored for the mutual benefit of the two countries, said the President.

Dr Masisi said the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation existing between the two countries characterised by mutual respect, strong historical, familial and cultural ties,  would sustain the two as they jointly faced socio-economic challenges.

Such challenges included unemployment, poverty and climate change which had been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The President said Botswana and Zimbabwe had established various bilateral mechanisms aimed at increasing trade and investment volumes between them.

In his remarks, President Mnangagwa said his government was unwavering in its commitment to the engagement and re-engagement policy.

Zimbabwe, he stated, sought to be a friend to all and an enemy to none.

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe desired to build win-win partnerships and a common prosperous future within the community of nations.

On projects, the Zimbabwean president called for the redoubling of  efforts to establish a one-stop border post at Plumtree and Ramokgwebana.

The project would facilitate smooth trade between the two countries especially in light of the  envisaged development of a deep seaport and railway line linking Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

Such trans-boundary infrastructure projects would further help unlock the economic potential of the two countries while contributing to both regional and continental integration, stated Dr Mnangagwa.ends