Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
Zimbabwe and Malawi this Thursday held a bilateral meeting at the Heads of State level where several agreements designed to increase cooperation in various sectors were signed.
The agreements were signed during day two of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s state visit to the neighbouring country.
The engagement gave Zimbabwe and Malawi an opportunity to map the way forward in improving existing relations.
While the relations between the sister republics are cordial, President Mnangagwa noted that the figures on trade need to be improved.
“It is regrettable that to date, trade between Zimbabwe and Malawi has been relatively low, despite immense opportunities for growth. These include sectors such as agriculture, mining energy manufacturing, tourism, forestry, and infrastructure. Your Excellency, I commend Malawi for hosting the 11th session of the JPC,” noted President Mnangagwa.
A number of Memoranda of Understanding were signed this Thursday, paving the way for enhanced cooperation between the two countries as enunciated by President Mnangagwa.
“The conclusion of negotiations on a number of Memoranda of understanding MOU’s paving way for their signing during the state visit is applauded,” he added.
President Mnangagwa also chronicled the milestones that Zimbabwe has achieved in the last few years, despite the albatross of sanctions.
Like his counterpart, President Chakwera is keen to see trade between the two countries grow based on Zimbabwe’s impressive resilience under the weight of illegal sanctions.
“23 years of Sanctions are not a joke. But Zimbabweans have forged ahead,” he said.
The MOUs that were signed include an agreement on cooperation in local government, cooperation on community development and gender issues, cooperation between the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation and the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation as well as cooperation in the energy sector.
