Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
ZIMBABWE and Rwanda have convened the third Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) in Kigali, with a focus on deepening trade and cooperation between the two countries after signing five Memoranda of Understanding (MOU).
The signed MOUs touch on revenue authorities, police matters, health, energy and youth issues.
In his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, said such forums can be harnessed to mobilise interest in several sectors for the benefit of the two countries.
“Since the convening of the first session of our JPCC in 2021, we have witnessed an upward trajectory in several fields of bilateral cooperation. These ties have been further cemented by the frequent high-level interactions between Zimbabwe and Rwanda, which demonstrate strong affinities between us and mutual trust as well as deep respect for each other.
“We note with much appreciation that significant progress has been registered in our cooperation and on the economic front, which is driven by government-to-government engagements in collaboration with the private sector through activities such as business forums,” he said.
“Such platforms afford our business communities with avenues to meet and explore opportunities in both our countries. These forums can also be used to mobilise interest and partnerships in the sectors that hold promise, that include the field of agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, mining and mining development, manufacturing, among others, for the mutual benefit of the peoples of Rwanda and Zimbabwe.”
Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Honourable Olivier Nduhungirehe, weighed in, saying under the guidance of the Presidents of Rwanda and Zimbabwe, the JPCC is poised to further cement bilateral ties.
“Your presence speaks to the growing friendship between our two countries, a bond rooted in shared values, Pan-African solidarity, and our mutual ambition to advance sustainable development for our peoples. This Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation would not have been possible without the visionary leadership and commitment of His Excellency President Paul Kagame and his brother, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa. We express our gratitude to both our heads of state for their guidance and support, which continues to inspire and shape the strong bilateral ties between our countries.”
Zimbabwe and Rwanda have, over the years exchanged high-level visits, with the third session identifying further areas of collaboration between the two countries in trade and investment, agriculture, mining, renewable energy, scientific research, and innovation.
