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Zambia and Botswana have signed 10 instruments of cooperation with a call from President Hakainde Hichilema to enhance intra-trade between the two countries.
The signed 10 instruments of cooperation included an agreements on political consultation, in the field of livestock, apiculture and aquaculture, crop production and science and technology.
The Instruements of Cooperation were signed in Livingstone on Wednesday during the state visit of Bostwanan President Dr Mokqweesti Eric Masisi.
Others are 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 establishing of the Kazungula Bridge Authority (KBA), as well as Addendum No.2 to the Agreement to Sponsor the Construction and Operation of the Kazungula Bridge.
During the meeting Zambia and Botswana further signed the sponsors agreement for the bankable feasibility study and the construction of the railway infrastructure for the railway link from Mosetse in Botswana to Livingstone in Zambia through the Kazungula Bridge.
The two countries would now embark on establishment of the Bi-National Commission (BNC), which essentially elevated the bilateral cooperation framework between the two countries from the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation and Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security.
Earlier, Hichilema noted that the cooperation between the two countries would contribute to the improvement of the livelihood of the citizens for both countries.
“Zambia must prioritize what is produced in Botswana Minister Chipoka Mulenga and Botswana must also prioritize what is locally produce in Zambia,” he stated.
The President advised technocrats from both countries to ensure that what was contained in the signed documents is 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 stated.
Meanwhile, Masisi expressed gratitude to the Zambian people and government for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay in Livingstone, Zambia.
Masisi, extended an invitation to President Hichilema, to pay a state visit to Botswana on dates to be mutually agreed through diplomatic channels.
He underscored Zambia’s credentials in the management of debt restructuring, as it enhances the attractiveness of the country and the neigbouring countries.
The Heads of State called for optimalisation of the Kazungula Bridge asset by ensuring uniformity in the redevelopment of the areas near the Kazungula Bridge.
Hichilema and Masisi stated that the construction of the rail line will encourage traffic passing through the bridge, and enhance trade beyond the two countries.
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