Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe and Rwanda yesterday signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the two countries committing to continue strengthening bilateral ties.

At the second session of the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC) that concluded yesterday in Harare, Zimbabwe and Rwanda signed MOUs in the field of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development; Women Affairs and Housing Development.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of JPCC, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Frederick Shava hailed bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Rwanda and commended the strong partnership between the two countries through their development agencies, ZimTrade and Rwanda Development Board.

"In order to efficiently deliver, we divided our focus into three clusters namely Political, Diplomatic, Defence and Security Cluster, Economic Cluster and the Social Affairs Cluster. I am glad that in all those clusters, we have not just produced narratives, but every single one of them is contributing to the political and socio-economic development of our two countries. Our cooperative in the field of agriculture and animal resources is also sharing strong signs of having the ability to deliver tangible results for us," he said.

Minister Shava added that it was important for the two countries to ensure the full implementation of the signed MOUs.

“You will agree with me, Honourable Minister, that, without the real work on the ground, MOUs and Agreements are just empty commitments on a modest piece of paper. Therefore, it is imperative that we must be prepared to work flat out to ensure their full implementation,” said Minister Shava.

Minister Shava acknowledged the solid bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Rwanda since the inception of the Second Republic.

“This explains why these relations have received greater expression from the exchange of visits at the highest level.

“I am sure you will agree with me that our relations are much deeper than before as a result of the stewardship of our two visionary Heads of State. This explains why these relations have received greater expression from the exchange of visits at the highest level,” added Minister Shava.

Meanwhile, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Vincent Biruta commended Zimbabwe for succefully hosting the event and pledged to continue working closely with Zimbabwe in various sectors of the two countries’ economy.