Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
SOUTH Africa is confident the 44th SADC Summit set for Zimbabwe next month will strengthen Harare-Pretoria ties and enhance regional integration.
The South African Embassy in Harare Thursday night celebrated 30 years after the end of apartheid.
South Africa’s top envoy in Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Joyce Manudafhasi said her country’s independence is incomplete without Zimbabwe’s support.
She added that the impeding SADC Summit presents an opportunity to deepen relations between the two countries and other member states.
“ South Africa supports Zimbabwe’s re-engagement efforts and calls for an end to unjust sanctions. As key trading partners, I also want to reiterate our support to the structured dialogue platform of debts and arrears payers. Our cooperation and partnership is not limited to our bilateral relations only.
“We also share common values on regional, continental and global governance issues. South Africa is looking forward to the upcoming SADC summit to further strengthen our relationship on a regional level,” she said.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Ambassador Frederick Shava expressed gratitude to South Africa for extending Zimbabwe Exemption Permits and other engagement efforts between Harare and Pretoria.
“Zimbabwe and South Africa have consummated these historical relations to a bi-national commission. In this regard, we look forward to the convening of this important pillar and platform in our relations, in your beautiful country in 2025. I also want to take this opportunity to extend our eternal gratitude for the extension of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) to a sizable Zimbabwean diaspora population, residing in your country.
“I call upon our citizens to abide by the laws of South Africa. My government appreciates your country’s continuous call for the removal of illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe. The sanctions have had a devastating effect on our economy and have been felt across the region. I also wish to reiterate Zimbabwe’s commitment to continue working closely with South Africa, at the Regional, Continental, and international fora, as we seek to advance mutual aspirations,” he said.
South Africa is Zimbabwe’s largest trading partner with cooperation in various areas including, immigration, mining and health under the Bi-National Commission.
