Zim, Egypt to deepen relations

ZIMBABWE and Egypt should take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area to enhance the two countries’ economic relations through increased trade, a senior Government official has said.

In a speech read on his behalf during an event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Egypt’s National Day on Thursday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister Dr David Musabayana said Harare and Cairo must continue nurturing mutually beneficial trade relations.

He said there was scope for enhanced economic, trade and investment co-operation to match existing political relations.

“Zimbabwe and Egypt share a long history of friendship and solidarity, which dates back to the days of our struggle for independence and freedom when Egypt provided moral and material support to our liberation struggle,” he said.

“We need to take advantage of vast opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area to increase trade between our two countries.”

Dr Musabayana said Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga’s attendance of the Africa

Health Excon Exhibition and Conference in Cairo recently was a reflection of strong ties between Zimbabwe and Egypt.

“During that visit, our two countries agreed to closely co-operate in the health sector as well as other spheres of mutual interest.

“Zimbabwe continues to benefit immensely from manpower development courses offered by the government of Egypt in the sectors of health, agriculture, environment and media communication, just to mention a few.”

Egyptian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Mahmoud Amer said Cairo was keen on consolidating relations with Harare.

“The Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of Zimbabwe enjoy sisterly and excellent diplomatic relations.

“Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have mutually supported one another at international fora and, most importantly, in candidatures to international posts,” he said.

“Most recently, Egypt supported Zimbabwe in its nomination to the Presidency of the Pan-African Parliament.”

Ambassador Amer said it was important for the two countries to continue engaging at the highest level.