LUSAKA, March 30 — Zambia and Botswana on Wednesday signed 10 instruments of cooperation aimed at enhancing the cooperation between the two countries in Zambia’s southern city of Livingstone. The agreements were signed following a two-day working visit by Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi to Zambia where he held bilateral talks with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, according to a joint communique released by Zambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on its social media account. The agreements include the establishment of a Bi-National Commission on cooperation, defense and security, establishing the Kazungula Bridge Authority and sponsoring the construction and operation of the bridge, a bankable feasibility study and the construction of a railway infrastructure linking the two countries, and memoranda of understanding on political consultation, in the fields of livestock, agriculture and aquaculture, crop production, cooperation in science and technology, geoscience, mining minerals and value chain development, cooperation between the Zambia Development Agency and the Botswana Investment and Trade Center.
Hichilema said his government was keen to learn from Botswana on the management of minerals and livestock development, praising the cooperation between the two countries established by founding leaders, which has remained strong. “The cooperation must be widened and elongated for the well-being of our people,” he said. Masisi commended Zambia on reaching an agreement with its creditors on debt restructuring, which he said enhances the attractiveness of the country to the outside world. He also said the two countries have a lot of common interests, adding that the signing of the agreements was intended to elevate the cooperation to another level. He said Botswana was ready to share its experiences in various sectors as well as to learn from Zambia’s experiences.
Xinhua proud partner of the African Youth Newspaper
