Zim-Namibia Bi-National Commission kicks off 2021
Tinomuda Chakanyuka
THE inaugural session of the Zimbabwean-Namibia Bi-National Commission will be held in 2021 after the Presidents of the two countries endorsed a proposal to upgrade Harare and Windhoek bilateral relations from a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC).
Zimbabwe and Namibia set up a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) in 1992 aimed at fostering economic cooperation. The Bi-National Commission is a vehicle of cooperation that will oil bilateral relations between Harare and Windhoek and enhance cooperation. On Thursday the two countries signed seven agreements under the 9th session of the JPCC.
President of Namibia Hage Geingob last night revealed that he and his Zimbabwean counterpart President Mnangagwa had agreed to further enhance cooperation.
He said this during a state banquet hosted for President Mnangagwa at Namibian State House in Windhoek on Thursday night.
“Equally, I note with satisfaction that the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) between Namibia and Zimbabwe, continues to meet regularly, in order to advance the implementation of our agreed commitments.
“On this note, I am pleased to announce that we have agreed to elevate the Joint Commission mechanism, which was co-chaired by Ministers, to a Bi-National Commission which will now be chaired by the Presidents of Namibia and Zimbabwe. We look forward to the Inaugural Session in 2021,” he said.
Speaking at the same function President Mnangagwa commended officials from both Zimbabwe and Namibia for successfully holding the 9th session of JPCC.
The President said the signing of the agreements should lead into tangible programmes.
“The MoUs and agreements which were signed today attest to the immense potential of our cooperation. However the signing of agreements should never be an end in itself, but must lead to concrete programmes which improve and grow our economies and quality of life of our people,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also took the opportunity to apprise his counterpart on various reforms being undertaken in Zimbabwe, aimed at improving the livelihoods of citizens.
“In line with regional and continental integration agenda, we are improving and modernising our infrastructure, in line with that in the region and beyond.”
President Mnangagwa is today expected to inaugurate Zimbabwe’s Dry Port Facility at Walvis Bay.