Ambassador Frederick Shava praised the growing relationship between Zimbabwe and Botswana during a reception for Botswana’s 58th Independence anniversary. He highlighted the collaboration in agriculture and trade, particularly in animal husbandry and disease prevention. Both nations are committed to regional integration through SADC, with calls for their business communities to take advantage of these diplomatic relations to enhance trade.
In a recent ceremony held in Harare to commemorate Botswana’s 58th Independence anniversary, Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Ambassador Frederick Shava, praised the strong and cooperative relationship between Zimbabwe and Botswana. He noted that the ties between the two nations have been significantly strengthened in various domains over recent years. Ambassador Shava expressed satisfaction with the increasing high-level exchanges that have allowed leaders from both countries to address mutual interests on broader regional and international platforms. He specifically highlighted the support from Botswana in the area of animal husbandry, commending the provision of vaccines from the Botswana Vaccine Institute which play a crucial role in combating foot and mouth disease. Additionally, he acknowledged the collaborative efforts to address issues such as cross-border cattle rustling, which have seen positive outcomes. Ambassador Shava also reflected on Zimbabwe’s pride in hosting President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana during the 44th Ordinary Summit of the SADC Heads of State and Government, indicating Zimbabwe’s reliance on its neighbor’s support during its chairmanship of the SADC. Botswana’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Sarah Molosiwa, affirmed the necessity of mutual cooperation, stating that the two nations are too small to achieve significant prosperity in isolation. She emphasized the importance of regional integration, underlining their shared commitment as members of SADC to enhance trade flows and facilitate movement of goods and services between their countries. Ambassador Molosiwa noted the upward trend in cumulative trade over the past two years that signifies growing economic interactions and urged business communities in both nations to leverage their diplomatic relations and existing agreements to enhance trade.
The relationship between Zimbabwe and Botswana has been progressively improving over the last few years, with increasing cooperation in various sectors, namely trade and agriculture. As members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), both countries are committed to regional integration, which aims to enhance economic and social ties among member nations. This relationship has enabled Zimbabwe to access critical agricultural resources, which aid in the fight against livestock diseases, while Botswana benefits from the trade opportunities that arise from this partnership.
In conclusion, the remarks by Ambassador Frederick Shava and Ambassador Sarah Molosiwa during the Botswana’s Independence anniversary reception underscore the importance of the growing ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana. There is a mutual recognition that cooperation in various sectors, including trade and agriculture, is essential for both nations to thrive. The ongoing dialogue and initiatives reflect a commitment to regional integration and collective prosperity, indicating a bright future for Zimbabwe-Botswana relations.
Original Source: www.herald.co.zw
