By Stanley James, Business Editor
THE Mid-Term Review of the Zimbabwe–Belarus Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) commenced this Monday in Harare, with a particular focus on the implementation of previously signed agreements.
The three-day session seeks to assess the progress of bilateral cooperation, evaluate set targets, and address any challenges impeding the full realisation of joint initiatives.
During the opening ceremony, Zimbabwe reiterated its commitment to strengthening its strategic alliance with Belarus.
“The close relationship that exists between our leaders their Excellencies, President Emmerson Mnangagwa and President Aleksandr Lukashenko, is the bedrock upon which the Zimbabwe, Belarus partnership is built,” the Chief Director for Political Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Mr Pearson Chigiji said.
“We must seize this rare opportunity to engage at a strategic level, as it is through such engagements that we will chart a path towards tangible and mutually beneficial cooperation between our nations. We must ensure that what we agree today, not only on what was captured in written agreements but most importantly that it is implemented on the ground, failure to do so would render our deliberations unproductive and hollow. The agenda before us serves as a guide for our discussions. However it should not constrain us to these matters alone, let us remain open to discussing any other issues of mutual interest as our partnership continues to evolve,” he said.
Belarus highlighted the importance of the JPCC in further enhancing investments in Zimbabwe.
“A little over a year ago, the first session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Zimbabwe was held here at the Rainbow Towers Conference Centre, it is very symbolic that our meeting takes place on the eve of the 45th anniversary of the Independence of Zimbabwe and the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism in the Second World War,” Head of the Department of Africa and the Middle East, Mr Yuri Nikolaychik said.
“It is, therefore, prudent to note that Belarus and Zimbabwe cooperation continues at various levels from the President’s office to ordinary citizens. The most important result achieved was the beginning of the supply of equipment within the framework of the third phase of the Joint Agricultural Mechanisation Facility Programme. ”
Since the advent of the Second Republic, Zimbabwe and Belarus are deepening the scope of cooperation by focusing on economic diplomacy and exchanges in key economic sectors.
It also emerged during the JPCC review meeting that high-level visits and persistent engagements between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Belarusian counterpart, His Excellency Aleksandr Lukashenko are shaping the journey of increased bilateral ties between the two countries.
