Story by Stanley James
THE Mid-Term Review of the 11th session of the Zimbabwe and Malawi Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) has kicked off in Harare as the two countries seek to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The two-day meeting is co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, and Malawi’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Chauncy Simwaka.
Delegates are reviewing progress on previously signed agreements, identifying new opportunities and focusing on future relations.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Chimbindi outlined the importance of the review in strengthening cooperation between Zimbabwe and Malawi.
“It is my honour to welcome you to the review after we last met in May 2023. I wish to express sincere appreciation to you, co-chair, and your delegation for coming to Zimbabwe. This manifests in our partnership, which is shared on common aspirations as well as the shared culture and shared ancestry. The meeting afford us to review progress and also take corrective action when necessary. The people are watching, and they expect to see improvements from the interface, we must consolidate and scale up the implementation of agreed projects, so implementation is a result of collaboration between our two countries. Our task is to review all the agreed programmes and the finalisation of the agreed Memorandum of Understanding. We need to be focused so that our efforts are not scattered. We have recorded good progress in various areas, especially tourism.
I am pleased to highlight that in the area of capacity building, our countries also continue to cooperate. In the field of security, the implementation of electronic systems at our border posts is another notable area that has been achieved. In agriculture, there is scope in the fishries, crocodile and aquaculture sector. Zimbabwe stands ready to deepen our collaboration with Malawi in mineral value chains. We are committed to contributing to the cause of peace and security. As we join the UN Security Council, it is our expectation that we cooperate on issues of peace and security in the SADC region. Let us approach our discussions with urgency for the mutual benefit of our people,” he said.
According to Mr Simwaka, Malawi is also committed to the implementation of signed agreements with Zimbabwe.
“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Malawi and my delegation i would like to extend my gratitude to the Government of Zimbabwe for the warm reception that we have received, co Chairperson, this meeting is critical for ensuring accountability, by evaluating the implementation systems and focus on practical solutions , Malawi remains committed to the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation with Zimbabwe, we firmly believe that collaboration is key in advancing development, we note notable strides emanating from the JPCC particularly in food security, trade, industrialisation including peace and security, as our two countries continue to experience climate change challenges indeed it is critical to invest more in food security and disaster preparedness to ensure sustainable livelihoods for our citizens, As current Chair of the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation Malawi firmly believes that continued collaboration in the defence and security sector is critical in advancing development and stability in our countries, region and the continent as well, plet us continue to strengthen solidarity for our two countries and make sure that the decisions we make yield the desired or tangible results or benefits for our people and our region,” he said.
The Zimbabwe and Malawi JPCC is a bilateral framework aimed at deepening socio-economic, political and trade relations between the two countries.
