Africa-Press – Botswana. President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has undertaken a two-day working visit to Livingstone, Zambia at the invitation of his Zambian counterpart, Mr Hakainde Hichilema.
The visit follows President Hichilema’s working visit to Botswana on January 24 -25, where the two leaders discussed issues of common interest, including exploring potential areas to further enhance cooperation between Botswana and Zambia.
During President Hichilema’s visit the two nations’ Ministries of Foreign Affairs were requested to see to the formulation of the enhanced, deepened, impactful programme of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, which should be completed within two months, hence the Livingstone working visit.
A press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that while in Livingstone, the two Presidents will hold official talks to follow-up on issues discussed during the January visit.
“In addition, a number of agreements will be signed including an agreement between Botswana and Zambia on the establishment of a Bi-National Commission, an agreement on the establishment of the Kazungula Bridge Authority, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations between the two countries,” says the release. The release further states that Zambia is a key strategic partner and important ally to Botswana and the two countries enjoy close bilateral ties that are founded on shared values of mutual respect, democracy, good governance and a common vision for deepening regional integration within the SADC region.
The visit, thus not only emphasises regional collaboration, but also marks a significant step towards enhancing cross-border connectivity through the signing of various Memorandums of Understandings in agriculture, communication, knowledge and technology, transport as well as foreign affairs.
The Livingstone working visit also follows the Joint Ministerial Committee meeting between the two countries that approved the Bilateral Agreement on the establishment of the Kazungula Bridge Authority.
The Agreement to establish the Kazungula Bridge Authority, caters for operations and maintenance as well as development of additional infrastructure of the Bridge and associated facilities.
The two countries have also approved the Kazungula Bridge Authority organisational structure as proposed by the Joint Steering Committee.
Botswana and Zambia share common membership, including to the United Nations, African Union, the Commonwealth, SADC and the Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA). President Masisi is accompanied by Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security, Transport and Public Works, Agriculture, Labour and Home Affairs, Health, Minerals and Energy, Trade and Industry; Communications, Knowledge and Technology, as well as senior government officials.
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