Zim, Rwanda strengthen bilateral ties at midterm r...

Zim, Rwanda strengthen bilateral ties at midterm review meeting

**President Emmerson Mnagagwa with his Rwandan counterpart, President Paul Kagame**

Zim Now Writer

The Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Rwanda have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their bilateral relations at the ongoing Midterm Review Meeting of the 2nd Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation being held in Harare, Zimbabwe, from May 27-28, 2024.

In his opening speech, Ambassador James Musoni, Head of Delegation of the Republic of Rwanda, mentioned the importance of translating the wishes and aspirations of their leaders into practicable solutions.

“As implementers, we are duty-bound to translate the wishes and aspirations of our leaders into practicable solutions. His Excellency President Paul Kagame and His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa have set clear goals for us to achieve, and it is our responsibility to deliver,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade permanent secretary, Ambassador Albert Ranganai Chimbindi, welcomed the Rwandan delegation and highlighted the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.

“I am pleased to say that since we embarked on the journey of our Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation in 2020, our relationship continues to grow from strength to strength. The continued engagements by our two Presidents at various fora and the continued exchange of high-level visits testify to our blossoming relationship,” he said.

The meeting reviewed progress in various sectors, including political and diplomatic, defence and security, education, energy, trade and investment, tourism, environment, and climate change.

Ambassador Musoni expressed satisfaction with the progress made in various areas, including the political and diplomatic sector, where both countries support each other in regional, continental, and international matters of common interest.

In the education sector, more than 150 educational personnel from Zimbabwe have been in Rwanda, reinforcing the teaching workforce. In the defence and security sector, there have been exchanges and training of senior and junior officers in the army and correctional service.

In the energy sector, Rwanda Energy Group and Zesa Holdings completed the pilot street lighting project in Harare and finalised the access master plan advisory services.

Ambassador Chimbindi acknowledged the positive discourse in the political and diplomatic cluster, particularly in the continued collaboration in political and diplomatic consultations.

“I am impressed by the continued support of each other on bilateral, continental, and international issues of mutual concern and interest,” he said.

The meeting also discussed outstanding Memoranda of Understanding and draft Implementation plans, with a focus on accelerating negotiations to conclude the MOUs in the near future. Ambassador Musoni cited the need to use the JPCC as a stepping stone to further collaborate at the regional and global levels.

Both delegations expressed their commitment to strengthening the bond between their nations and creating a better future for their people.

Ambassador Musoni said: “Let us seize this opportunity to recommit ourselves to the principles of cooperation and mutual respect, as we strive to achieve even greater heights in the years to come.”

Ambassador Chimbindi added: “I urge all colleagues with outstanding MOUs to take advantage of this Session to accelerate negotiations with a view to concluding the MOUs in the near future. Let us continue to work together to strengthen our bilateral relations and achieve our shared goals.”