Progress in implementation of agreements aimed at strengthening relationships between Rwanda and Zimbabwe

Rwanda’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, James Musoni, has expressed his satisfaction with the advancements made in the implementation of the agenda and agreements aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

He made these remarks on Monday 15th, during the opening of the second session of the Zimbabwe-Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) in Harare.

The two-day meeting between Zimbabwe and Rwanda will primarily focus on finalizing the details for collaboration in sectors such as health, science and technology development, women’s affairs and child development, as well as housing.

These efforts will build upon the existing areas of cooperation, which include agriculture, educational exchange, information and communication technology (ICT), environment, and tourism.

Amb. Musoni stated that this meeting is a pivotal event for bilateral ties, underscoring the commitment of both countries to foster cooperation.

He urged the participants to expedite the implementation of the blueprint proposed by the heads of state of both countries, President Paul Kagame and President Mnangagwa, in order to bring about socio-economic transformations in the lives of their people.

Amb. Musoni also disclosed that the majority of the more than 20 agreements signed between Rwanda and Zimbabwe are being implemented with commendable progress.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Manzou, highlighted the significant achievements made during the two years of cooperation in various areas, including trade, investment, cooperation, tourism, and energy, among others.

Amb. Musoni (left) commended existing collaboration between both countries

One day prior to the meeting, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade stated that the convening of the JPCC reflects the deepening ties between Zimbabwe and Rwanda, as well as their shared commitment to advancing common developmental goals.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Livit Mugejo, expressed that over the past five years, both countries have made notable strides in strengthening their economic and political bonds. The objective of this JPCC session is to further enhance cooperation in key areas of development.

The first session of the Zimbabwe-Rwanda JPCC took place virtually in March 2021, resulting in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering a wide range of fields.

These MoUs addressed legal mutual assistance in criminal matters, cooperation in prisons and correctional services, partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and ZimTrade, as well as collaboration in media, information, and publicity.

In addition to strengthening the existing areas of cooperation, the two countries explored new avenues for collaboration in finance, defense, environment, natural resources, agriculture, science and technology, and tourism. They also expressed their commitment to enhancing multilateral cooperation.

Towards the end of last year, Rwanda received over 150 teachers from Zimbabwe through existing agreements regarding the exchange of expert teachers. It is expected that Rwanda will receive an additional 477 teachers under this program.