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Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter

The mid-term review of the Third Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC) ended in Harare yesterday with the two countries agreeing over a range of action, especially in fighting livestock rustling.

Permanent Secretary in for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador James Manzou expressed satisfaction with the agreements reached during the two-day event.

“I am happy to note that a number of agreements and MoUs have been cleared for signature between now and the Fourth Session of the BNC. I want to single out the draft Framework Agreement on Combating Livestock Rustling which was concluded by the technical committee meeting in Selibe Phikwe, Botswana in October 2022,” he said.

“This is a very important instrument, which when signed by the ministers, will accelerate our joint efforts to fight the scourge of livestock rustling along our common border. Our meeting also recommended that we consider new issues for discussion at the next session in the area of agriculture and in particular, our joint efforts to fight the foot-and-mouth disease, which threatens our two peoples’ livelihoods and our economic well-being and prosperity.

“This is a welcome development and I am confident that our collaborative efforts in this area will help control the disease, not only in our two countries, but in our sub-region as well.”

Ambassador Manzou said the meeting had recorded progressive and significant milestones that would take their strategic relationship to new heights.

Botswana Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Ambassador Dr Gladys Mokhawa commended the progress made ahead of the Fourth Session of the BNC to be hosted by her country next June.

“It is pleasing to note that we have been able to agree on a number of critical issues to continue propelling our relations forward, particularly in the areas of agriculture, cross-border livestock rustling, defence and security, finance, immigration matters, trade and investment, transport and logistics, as well as wildlife conservation.

“In this regard, we should spare no effort in ensuring that we fully implement the outcomes and commitments that we have made here today.

“We have also been successful in finalising a number of draft agreements and MoUs for signature at the next session of the BNC.

“This is encouraging and is a clear demonstration of the fast-growing bilateral relations between our two countries,” said Dr Mokhawa.