Source: Zim, Botswana pledge tariff barriers removal – herald
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE and Botswana have expressed commitment to strengthen socio-economic relations through the removal of tariffs and non-tariff barriers for the benefit of the two nations’ citizenry.
The two sister republics, whose relations date back to the pre-independence era, also expressed commitment to continue strengthening collaboration in various economic sectors, as neighbouring States in the spirit of unity and shared purpose.
Zimbabwe and Botswana reaffirmed their commitment yesterday during the Senior Officials’ Meeting held ahead of the Fifth Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission in Harare.
The Senior Officers’ meeting was co-chaired by Zimbabwe’s Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, and Botswana’s Permanent Secretary for International Relations, Ambassador Thuso Ramodimoosi.
President Mnangagwa and Botswana President Duma Boko will co-preside over the Fifth Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission scheduled for April 22 in Harare.
Speaking at the opening of the Senior Officials’ Meeting, Ambassador Chimbindi described the event as a demonstration of the excellent relations and enduring friendship between the two republics.
He said Zimbabwe will forever be grateful for the invaluable support and assistance Botswana rendered during the fight for independence.
“Our relations are therefore rooted in our shared history, common culture and familial bonds, which are the base of everything we have built together,” he said.
“In that regard, our two countries and peoples are inseparable. Our destinies are inextricably linked.”
Ambassador Chimbindi said among the shared successes between Zimbabwe and Botswana is the robust manner in which both countries’ security sectors have tackled criminal activities.
He commended ongoing joint operations that have significantly reduced stock theft along shared borders.
Ambassador Chimbindi pointed to the establishment of restrictions at Mabolwe and other areas as a testament to functional cooperation.
“Furthermore, the joint efforts by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Botswana Police Service to disrupt markets were totally left to empower our communities against local and stock theft initiatives,” he said.
“As we tackle transboundary criminal activities, we have to always remember that crimes and criminals have no nationality.
“A crime in Botswana is a crime in Zimbabwe, and a criminal in Zimbabwe is also a criminal, so they don’t have any nationality. The long arm of the law and due process should take its course.”
Ambassador Chimbindi expressed Zimbabwe’s appreciation for the continued support of mobile consular outreach exercises and participation of District Commissioners and the Department of Immigration.
“These exercises allow our Embassy to provide essential services to Zimbabweans living in Botswana.”
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