By Agencies
ZIMBABWE and Botswana are set to deepen bilateral relations when the neighbouring country’s President, Duma Gideon Boko, visits the country next week for a three-day State visit that will see him engage in high-level meetings and jointly preside over the 5th Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC) with President Mnangagwa.
President Boko will also officiate at the opening of this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo.
Zimbabwe and Botswana already enjoy cordial bilateral relations dating back to pre-independence times and the visit from April 21 to 23 is set to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen regional integration.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said the visit will see President Boko engage with President Mnangagwa, with the two leaders jointly presiding over the Fifth Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC).
Ministry spokesperson Mrs Philisiwe Chidawanyika, said the high-level engagement will focus on key areas critical to the socio-economic development of both countries.
“During the historic State Visit, the two leaders will jointly preside over the Fifth Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission, where deliberations will focus on transformative areas of co-operation, including trade and investment, agriculture and food security, infrastructure, transport and logistics development, energy, tourism, strengthening of health systems and the deepening of people-to-people relations through skills development and human capital enhancement,” she said.
Mrs Chidawanyika said the engagement is expected to provide strategic direction to accelerate the implementation of agreed programmes and projects.
“The two leaders are expected to provide bold and strategic direction to accelerate implementation of agreed programmes and projects, with a particular focus on unlocking cross-border economic opportunities, strengthening value chains, enhancing connectivity and fostering inclusive and sustainable growth for the benefit of the peoples of both countries,” she said.
The BNC programme will begin with Senior Officials’ Meetings, 19 and 20 April, followed by a Ministerial Segment on 21 April, co-chaired by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Professor Amon Murwira and Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, Phenyo Butale.
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Mrs Chidawanyika said the visit underscores the strong and enduring relations between Zimbabwe and Botswana.
“His Excellency President Boko’s State Visit stands as a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship, solidarity and shared history between Zimbabwe and Botswana. It underscores the two countries’ unwavering commitment to regional integration, peace and stability and collective self-reliance,” she said.
The ministry has said that Zimbabwe is ready to welcome President Boko and his delegation.
“The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe is ready to warmly welcome His Excellency President Duma Gideon Boko and his delegation and reaffirms its commitment to advancing a dynamic, mutually beneficial and future-oriented partnership with the Republic of Botswana,” said Mrs Chidawanyika.
The visit is also expected to further strengthen cooperation within regional frameworks such as the Southern African Development Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
