Botswana, Zambia sign 10 instruments of cooperation
Following Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema’s working visit to Botswana in January 2024, the two neighbouring countries have strengthened their bilateral relations with the signing of10 instruments of cooperation in Livingstone, Zambia.
At the invitation of Hichilema, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi undertook a working visit to Livingstone, Zambia this week. The two Heads of State were accompanied by their respective delegations consisting of Cabinet Ministers and senior government officials.
According to a joint communiqué from Botswana and Zambia, Masisi and Hichilema hailed the cordial and excellent bilateral relations that exist between the two countries. It added that the reciprocal working visit to Livingstone, Zambia exemplified the strong desire by the two nations to forge stronger ties as a base for mutual development for the benefit of the two countries and people.
Masisi underscored Zambia’s credentials in the management of debt restructuring, as it enhances the attractiveness of the country and its neigbours.
The signed instruments of cooperation include the establishment of the Bi-National Commission (BNC), which essentially elevated the bilateral cooperation framework between the two countries from the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation ( JPCC) and Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security ( JPCDS) to a BNC.
Botswana has since offered to host the inaugural session of the Bi-National Commission.
The two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Political Consultations. Botswana and Zambia, which are connected by the 923-metre long bridge, also signed an agreement establishing the Kazungula Bridge Authority (KBA), as well as Addendum No.2 to the agreement to sponsor the construction and operation of the Kazungula Bridge. They also signed sponsors agreement for the bankable feasibility study and the construction of the railway infrastructure for the railway link from Mosetse in Botswana to Livingstone in Zambia through the Kazungula Bridge.
Botswana and Zambia also signed MoUs in the field of livestock, apiculture and aquaculture, field of crop production, cooperation in science and technology, field of geo-science, mining, minerals and value chain development. In addition the two countries signed MoU between the Zambia Development Agency and Botswana Investment and Trade Centre.
“The Heads of State commended the efforts made by Ministers and officials in ensuring that the decisions the two Presidents had agreed on are realised, and further urged them to expedite negotiations on all pending Agreements and MoUs,” further read the communiqué.
“The Heads of State called for optimalisation of the Kazungula Bridge asset by ensuring uniformity in the redevelopment of the areas near the Kazungula Bridge. The two Heads of State stated that the construction of the rail line will encourage traffic passing through the bridge, and enhance trade beyond the two countries.
“The Heads of State agreed to hold the Inaugural BNC in Botswana, on a date to be mutually agreed through diplomatic channels,” it added. In the end, Masisi extended an invitation to Hichilema to pay a State Visit to Botswana on dates to be mutually agreed through diplomatic channels.