Published: 3 hours ago

Zambia has urged the full removal of all unilateral sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, ahead of the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations next month. The appeal was made by Zambia's Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Ms Etambuyu Gundersen, during the official opening of the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the 18th Session of the Zimbabwe–Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation in Harare. The two-day meeting will conclude tomorrow.

SADC designated October 25 as a day of action against sanctions on Zimbabwe at its 2019 Summit of Heads of State and Government in Tanzania. While the European Union has lifted most of its measures, the United States continues to maintain sanctions on President Emmerson Mnangagwa, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, nine individuals, and three entities.

"In the same spirit, I wish to reiterate Zambia's principled support for the lifting of all unilateral sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, which continue to undermine the country's economic recovery and regional development cooperation," Ms Gundersen said. She added that the sanctions should be removed through peaceful and constructive engagement.

Ms Gundersen highlighted that the MTR offers both countries an opportunity to assess the progress of agreed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and address challenges in their implementation. While progress has been noted in some areas, she acknowledged delays in finalising MoUs related to Immigration, SME Development, Environment and Tourism, and Diplomatic Training. "These instruments are critical to deepening our co-operation, and I urge all stakeholders to prioritise their finalisation," she said.

The Permanent Secretary noted that bilateral cooperation continues to expand in trade, border management, energy, infrastructure, education, and transboundary security. She also highlighted the proposed Zambia–Zimbabwe Joint Industrial Park under the COMESA framework as a significant step toward industrialisation and regional integration. On peace and security, she reaffirmed Zambia's commitment to collaborating with Zimbabwe and other SADC member states to address regional threats in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In his remarks, Zimbabwe's Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, welcomed progress in defence, trade, and tourism cooperation. He noted that the 34th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, held in February, strengthened coordination between both countries' security forces and activated joint operations.

Ambassador Chimbindi also praised collaboration between ZimTrade and the Zambian Development Agency (ZDA), including plans to construct a warehouse in Kasumbalesa to boost trade in consumer goods and agricultural equipment. Progress has also been made under the tourism cluster, with joint technical committee meetings and participation in each other's tourism exhibitions.

The Permanent Secretary highlighted the need for stronger cooperation in agriculture, given that both economies are agro-based. He described the MTR as a valuable opportunity to review work, strengthen coherence, and guide the effective implementation of joint programmes. The meeting also serves as a preparatory session for the inaugural Bi-National Commission scheduled to take place in Lusaka next year.
- online

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