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Lovemore Mataire Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE and the Islamic Republic of Iran have resolved to jointly work towards the unconditional lifting of economic sanctions imposed on the two countries. In a communiqué issued at the end of the eighth session of the Zimbabwe-Iran Joint Commission yesterday, the two countries strongly condemned the unilateral and illegal sanctions imposed on them and called for the unconditional removal of sanctions.

“Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism. In that regard, they called for the democratisation of the multilateral institutions, in particular, the reform of the United Nations Security Council,” read part of the communiqué.

Zimbabwe commended the Islamic Republic of Iran for the able manner in which it continues to chair the Non-Aligned Movement. On its part, Iran pledged to use its chairman’s role to spearhead and mobilise other member states to campaign for the lifting of economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.

Both delegations to the Joint-Commission noted with appreciation the expansive nature for the bilateral co-operation which includes trade and investment, health, agriculture, small and medium enterprises. Also included are science and technology and exchange of professionals.

“The two parties reaffirmed their commitment to ensure the full implementation of the agreed areas of co-operation. The Joint Commission challenged all concerned in both countries to scale up the implementation of the agreed projects in order to promote economic development for the mutual benefit of the two peoples.”

In his closing remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Simbarashe Mumbengegwi said science and technology was a key sector between the two countries.