By Shadreck Gurenje

Cabinet has considered and approved two Memorandum of Understanding between the Republics of Zimbabwe and Botswana on Cooperation in a move to accelerate sound and smooth regional integration.

Yesterday cabinet held its first meeting in 2024 chaired by President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa and approved two memorandum of understanding between Zimbabwe and Botswana on cooperation to combat cross border livestock rustling and the memorandum of understanding on Immigration Cooperation.

The Memorandum of Understandings were presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi as the Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.

Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi outlined that the Memorandum of Understanding to combat livestock rustling aims to establish a legal framework for cooperation between the Republics of Zimbabwe and Botswana in order to harmonise efforts on combating livestock rustling and any other associated crimes.

He also further explained that the initiative also seeks to maintain the historic ties between the Parties through cooperation, while respecting national sovereignty.

Turning on the Immigration Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, the move reflects on the desire to cooperate in the area of immigration by both Parties, born out of the Parties’ mutual belief that cooperation will foster stability and prosperity.

The Memorandum also further aims to establish a legal framework for cooperation of both Parties in immigration matters and areas of cooperation include: facilitation of movement of persons; anti-human trafficking and smuggling; capacity building; harmonization of immigration related laws and policies; and the establishment of one-stop border post, among others.