Zambia and close neighbours, Botswana, have signed 10 instruments of cooperation aimed at enhancing trade relations between the two countries.
The signing of the agreements has been hailed by many, including President Hakainde Hichilema, who noted that the cooperation between the two countries would contribute to the improvement of the livelihood of the citizens for both countries.
The 10 instruments of cooperation included agreements on political consultation as well as in the field of livestock, apiculture and aquaculture, crop production and science and technology.
The instruements which were signed in on Wednesday in Livingstone during the state visit of Bostwanan President, Dr Mokqweesti Eric Masisi, will also take in other agreements in Geo-Science, mining, minerals and value chain development and an agreement between the Zambia Development Agency and Botswana Investment and Trade Centre.
The two countries also signed an agreement on the establishment of the Kazungula Bridge Authority (KBA), as well as Addendum number two to the “Agreement to Sponsor the Construction and Operation of the Kazungula Bridge.”
During the meeting the two eastern African nations, they also signed “sponsors agreement” for the bankable feasibility study and the construction of the infrastructure for the railway link from Mosetse in Botswana to Livingstone in Zambia through the Kazungula Bridge.
The two countries would also embark on the establishment of the Bi-National Commission (BNC), which will elevate the bilateral cooperation framework between the two countries from the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation and Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security.
While speaking during the epoch-making event, President Hichilema said “Zambia must prioritize what is produced in Botswana, and Botswana must also prioritize what is locally produce in Zambia.”
He also advised technocrats from both countries to ensure that what was contained in the signed documents are implemented and not “gather dust in the shelves.”
“Kazungula Bridge is an asset valued to Zambia and the region as it promotes regional integration through trade among countries like Botswana and Zambia,” Hichilemq added.
In his response, the Botswanan leader expressed his gratitude to the Zambian people and government for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay in Zambia.
Masisi, thereafter, extended an invitation to Hichilema to pay a state visit to Botswana on dates to be mutually agreed through diplomatic channels.