Botswana President 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-chair with President Emmerson Mnangagwa tomorrow.
The high-level engagement is set to reinforce growing bilateral cooperation between the two neighbouring countries across a wide range of sectors.
Upon arrival, President Boko will be hosted to a State banquet by President Mnangagwa, reflecting the strong diplomatic relations between Harare and Gaborone.
During his three-day visit, President Boko is also scheduled to 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 meetings led by senior Government officials, which began on Sunday and focused on social, economic, diplomatic, political, defence and security cooperation.
The senior officials’ meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and Ambassador Thuso Ramodimoosi, Botswana’s Permanent Secretary for International Relations.
Ahead of the ministerial segment, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira will hold a tête-à-tête with Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, Phenyo Butale, setting the tone for deliberations they will jointly lead.
The ministerial session is expected to consider reports from senior officials, adopt agreed minutes and a 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 also expressed Zimbabwe’s gratitude for Botswana’s support during the liberation struggle, noting that relations between the two nations are anchored on shared history, culture and close familial ties.
Ambassador Chimbindi further highlighted cooperation in combating cross-border crime, commending joint security operations between the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Botswana Police Service, which have helped reduce stock theft along the shared border.
“As we tackle transboundary criminal activities, we must remember that crime knows no nationality. A crime in Botswana is a crime in Zimbabwe, and criminals do not recognise borders. The law must take its course,” he said.
Ambassador Ramodimoosi said several cooperation agreements are ready for signing during the BNC, while others require expedited finalisation.
“This session of the BNC will advance deliberations aimed at accelerating progress in key areas such as agriculture, health, energy, education, tourism, infrastructure development and border security,” he said.
“I am confident that our deliberations will be constructive, forward-looking and result in clear, actionable outcomes for consideration by our Ministers and Heads of State.”
Unity, peace and development is the way to go.