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Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava has commended the cordial relations that exist between Zimbabwe and Botswana as evidenced by the growing cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

Speaking at a reception to mark Botswana’s 58th Independence anniversary in Harare on Monday, Ambassador Shava said it was gratifying that relations between the two countries were excellent and that co-operation had been on an upward trajectory in the last few years.

“I am pleased to note that these cordial relations have been further cemented by an increased exchange of high-level visits, which have provided our leaders an opportunity to compare notes on issues of mutual interest at the regional, continental and international level.

“We value and appreciate the assistance your Government is giving us in animal husbandry. In particular, the provision of vaccines that are manufactured by the Botswana Vaccine Institute, which have contributed a great deal towards the prevention of the foot and mouth disease.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to note the positive results from the joint efforts to fight the challenge of cross-border cattle rustling along our borders,” Amb Shava said.

He said Zimbabwe was honoured to have hosted Botswana’s President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and other regional leaders during the 44th Ordinary Summit of the SADC Heads of State and Government, adding that Zimbabwe counted on her neighbour for its support during its chairmanship of the organisation.

Speaking at a reception to mark Botswana’s 58th Independence anniversary in Harare on Monday, Ambassador Shava said it was gratifying that relations between the two countries were excellent and that co-operation had been on an upward trajectory in the last few years.

Botswana’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Sarah Molosiwa, said the two countries needed each other to develop.

“We acknowledge the fact that our countries are too small and cannot prosper individually and or, each country on its own.

“We therefore recognise the importance of regional integration and thus, both Botswana and Zimbabwe as members of SADC are both individually and collectively committed to advance regional integration of which we positively influence and impact trade flow as well as facilitate ease of movement of persons, goods and services between our countries.

“As you may be aware, cumulative trade between Botswana and Zimbabwe in the past two years has been steadily growing signalling an encouraging trade flow between our two countries. This also includes exchange in exports and imports of goods and services which has consistently registered commendable and encouraging increase,” she said.

Ambassador Molosiwa urged the business communities in the two countries to take advantage of their diplomatic relations and existing cooperation frameworks and agreements which facilitate trade between the two nations.