ZIM, BOTS RELATIONS HAILED

Tanaka Mahanya

FOREIGN Affairs and International Trade Permanent Secretary, Ambassador James Manzou, has commended the Zimbabwe-Botswana relations for contributing towards economic prosperity.

Speaking at the mid-term review of the Third Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-national Commission, Amb Manzou said he is confident that the mid-term review will lead to the successful implementation of different pro-grammes.

“The excellent relations enjoyed by our two countries are rooted in our shared history and embodied in our mutu-al desire to realise the economic prosperity of Zimbabwe and Botswana.

“Over the past few years, relations between our two countries have grown.

“The mid-term review provides us with an opportunity to take stock of what has been done and what still needs to be done.”

He said he hopes there will be more engagement between the two countries.

“I am, therefore, happy to note that a lot of progress has been made in implementing what our leaders agreed in Victoria Falls to address development issues in our countries.

“We certainly hope that our Ministers will find an opportunity to meet and sign the agreements paving the way for different implementations.

“We, however, still have a few areas that are lagging behind.”

Ambassador Manzou said there has been progress in the agricultural sector.

He said it was pleasing to note that in February the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in agriculture to ensure that there is food security.

“I would like to urge our colleagues in the sector to pave the way for operations of the MOU,” he said.