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Tendai Mugabe Herald Reporter
Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Minister Advocate Martin Dinha recently paid a courtesy call on the Founding Father of Zambia Dr Kenneth Kaunda as part of his visit to Lusaka Province where he sealed several agreements with his Zambian counterpart Mr Japhen Mwakalombe.

During his visit, Adv Dinha held successful meetings with Mr Mwakalombe, businesspeople and investors.

He also delivered a lecture to almost 5 000 students at the University of Zambia on “Robert Mugabe the African Liberator — The Influence and Legacy of Cde R. G Mugabe on Contemporary and Future Africa and the third World — A Revolutionary Analysis”.

During his meeting with Mr Mwakalombe, Adv Dinha discussed the possibility of a twinning arrangement between Mashonaland Central and Lusaka provinces. The two also explored several areas of cooperation between the two provinces.

“The meeting agreed to cooperate in the harmonisation of the parks and wildlife management laws,” reads part of the minutes produced after the meeting.

“On trade, the meeting resolved to establish a desk for small scale cross- boarder traders association on the Zimbabwean side. The meeting also agreed to engage the ministries of commerce in both countries to ensure issuance of cross-boarder trading certificates.

“It was also agreed to participate and promote exhibitions, trade fairs and shows for the two provinces.”

On agriculture, the two provinces agreed to cooperate in promoting non-rain fed agricultural ventures and promote research and development.

The two provinces hailed the sound relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe which are often described by President Mugabe as “siamese twins”.

The relations are bound by history and the collective struggle against settlers and colonialism.

Speaking to The Herald last week, Adv Dinha said their discussion also covered issues to do with fisheries and livestock.

“We agreed to conduct joint venture research in identifying fish breeds of economic value and protect identified fish breeding areas,” he said. “We also agreed to cooperate on the harmonisation of regulations that govern fish bans and breeding periods and to promote sustainable methods of fishing.”

Adv Dinha said other areas that they discussed included housing, culture and youths and sport.

He was accompanied by a high powered delegation that included officials from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, Parks and Wildlife Management, security and Office of the President and Cabinet.

Adv Dinha was assigned to undertake the visit by President Mugabe with a view to enhancing relations between Mashonaland Central Province and Zimbabwe at large and the Lusaka region in Zambia.