Botswana President arrives today for BNC, ZITF

Nyore Madzianike, nyore.madzianike@zimpapers.co.zw

BOTSWANA President Advocate Duma Boko is expected to arrive in Harare this afternoon ahead of the Fifth Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), which he will co-preside over with President Mnangagwa tomorrow.

The high-level meeting is expected to underscore deepening bilateral cooperation between the two neighbouring countries across a range of sectors.

Upon arrival, President Boko will be hosted to a State banquet by President Mnangagwa, reflecting the strong diplomatic ties between Harare and Gaborone.

During his three-day visit, President Boko will also officially open the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo, where he will join regional business leaders in promoting trade and investment.

The BNC follows a series of preparatory engagements led by senior Government officials, which began on Sunday and focused on social, economic, diplomatic, political, defence and security issues.

The senior officials’ meeting was co-chaired by Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador Albert Chimbindi and Botswana’s Permanent Secretary for International Relations, Ambassador Thuso Ramodimoosi.

Today, a tête-à-tête between Foreign Affairs and International Trade Professor Amon Murwira and Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, Phenyo Butale, will set the tone ahead of the ministerial segment of the BNC, which they will co-chair.

The ministerial session will include presentations from the senior officials, adoption of agreed minutes and the draft joint communiqué, before closing remarks by the two ministers.

Addressing the opening of the senior officials’ meeting, Ambassador Chimbindi said the BNC reflects the enduring friendship between Zimbabwe and Botswana.

“In that regard, our two countries and peoples are inseparable.
“Our destinies are inextricably linked,” he said.

He said Zimbabwe remains grateful for Botswana’s support during the liberation struggle and noted that relations between the two countries are anchored on shared history, culture and close familial ties.

Ambassador Chimbindi also highlighted cooperation in tackling cross-border crime, commending joint security operations that have reduced stock theft along shared borders.

“Furthermore, the joint efforts by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Botswana Police Service to disrupt markets were totally left to empower our communities against local and stock theft initiatives.