ZIMBABWE and Zambia signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) this Friday as a way of strengthening the two countries’ relations and cooperation.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema was in Zimbabwe for the Zambia–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC), which he co-chaired with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
This was Hichilema’s first official visit to Zimbabwe since he took office in 2021.
The MoUs signed are aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, transport, and other key sectors.
The deals are as follows: MoU on Diplomatic Training; MoU in the Field of Immigration and Technical Cooperation, MoU on Cooperation in the Fields of Labour and Employment, MoU concerning Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture and MoU on Youth Development.
The two countries agreed to hold the second session of the Bi-National Commission in November 2027 in Lusaka, Zambia.
Speaking during the event, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe and Zambia must work hard together to fully implement their agreements and drive shared economic prosperity.
“We must now put shoulder to the wheel and exert the requisite effort towards the full implementation of these agreements for the benefit of our two countries and peoples.
“We have the responsibility to ensure that, together we facilitate the economic prosperity of our respective countries, Zimbabwe and Zambia. We are stronger working together.
“It is important that we continuously work and track progress as we implement the agreements and MoUs that we have signed. Let us adopt an honest and positive work ethic in the discharge of our various mandates, within the context of the BNC,” Mnangagwa said.
His counterpart Hichilema said Zimbabwe and Zambia must deepen their long-standing ties by strengthening people-to-people relations, noting that true regional cooperation begins at family and community level.
Hichilema also pledged to continue advocating for the removal of illegal and unilateral sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, as they are hindering developmental efforts. – NewZimbabwe
