The 11th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation(JPCC), between Zimbabwe and Malawi opened in Lilongwe with a call to consolidate the bilateral relations of the two countries.
Speaking during the opening of the session, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mary Kachale, said Malawi and Zimbabwe enjoy longstanding bilateral relations which mutually benefit the people of the two nations.
According to Kachale, Malawi and Zimbabwe’s relationship dates back to colonial times.
“This meeting precedes the state visit to Malawi of President Emerson Mnangagwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Whatever we agree here will be endorsed by the two Heads of State,” said Kachale.
In his remarks, co-chairperson of the session, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Zimbabwe, James Manzou, said Zimbabwe and Malawi need to do more in strengthening their economic activities through trade. He also emphasized the significance of the private sector in promoting trade and investment between Malawi and Zimbabwe.
The meeting comes ahead of President Mnangagwa’s three-day state visit to Malawi at the invitation of Malawi President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera.
The previous session of the Zimbabwe – Malawi JPCC was held in 2022 in Harare Zimbabwe where several agreements were signed.
