By Ruth Chayinda in Zambia & Mwangala Sakaumba in Zimbabwe
Zambia and Zimbabwe have signed five Memoranda of Understanding in various sectors aimed at strengthening cooperation.
Among the MoUs signed are those on Diplomatic Training; the Field of Immigration and Technical Cooperation; and cooperation in the fields of Labour and Employment.
The two countries also signed agreements on cooperation in the Field of Agriculture, and on Youth Development.
This took place during President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’s working visit to Zimbabwe, where he held bilateral talks with Zimbabwe’s President EMMERSON MNANGAGWA.
Presidents HICHILEMA and MNANGAGWA both reaffirmed their commitment to longstanding ties of solidarity, friendship, and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The two leaders also underscored the importance of sustained dialogue on bilateral, regional, continental, and global developments, with a view to advancing shared positions and strengthening strategic alignment.
The Parties welcomed the proposal to hold the Second Session of the Bi-National Commission and agreed to convene it by November 2027 in Lusaka, Zambia.
They further reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation in promoting and sustaining peace and security between the two countries, and at regional, continental, and global levels.
The Parties also welcomed arrangements supporting Zambia’s electricity imports from the region through Zimbabwe, and for Zimbabwe to progressively increase the limit on power transfer capacity.
And President MNANGAGWA paid tribute to President HICHILEMA for his leadership and wished Zambia well as it prepares for its General Elections.
Earlier, President HICHILEMA said Zambia supports the lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe.
He said the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe have adverse effects not only on Zimbabweans but also on neighbouring countries such as Zambia.
President HICHILEMA noted that the continued imposition of sanctions on Zimbabwe hampers development, trade, and business across the region.
The President was speaking at the inaugural session of the Zambia–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission held in Harare, Zimbabwe, under the theme “United by History, Transforming Our Shared Future Together for Prosperity.”
President HICHILEMA also called for increased joint investments between Zambian and Zimbabwean business communities to boost foreign direct investment.
He said that, considering the abundant resources the two nations possess, enhanced trade and joint ventures will promote economic growth.
President HICHILEMA further stated that the region has a combined population of 350 million people, sufficient to grow their respective economies for the benefit of all.
He challenged technocrats to explore additional areas of cooperation that will strengthen relations and promote trade, agriculture, tourism, and other sectors.
And President MNANGAGWA applauded Zambian and Zimbabwean technocrats for their diligent work in advancing various areas of cooperation.
(Images credit ZBC News Online)
