Zim, Rwanda seal 3 more deals

Zimbabwe and Rwandaʼs bilateral relations yesterday, reached new heights with the signing of three
additional Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) as the two nations cemented relations on a wide-range of
socio-economic issues.
The two countries welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field
of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development; women affairs and housing
development at a ceremony that marked the end of the second session of the Zimbabwe-Rwanda Joint
Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC).
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Frederick Shava and other two cabinet Ministers led the
Zimbabwean delegation and signed on behalf of the Government while Rwanda was represented by its
foreign affairs Minister Dr Vincent Biruta who is a special envoy of Rwanda President Paul Kagame.
Dr Shava on behalf of the Ministry of Higher Education signed the MoU on cooperation in the field of
science and technology.
Minister of Womenʼs Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Sithembiso Nyoni
signed the MoU on women empowerment while National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Daniel
Garwe signed the MoU on sustainable, affordable, functional, low to medium cost housing and new
building technologies, which corroborated the growing partnership between the two countries in these
sectors.
In his remarks, Minister Shava said it was important that the two countries ensure the implementation of
the agreements.
“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,”
he said.
This comes after President Paul Kagameʼs recent trip to Victoria Falls, where he participated in the 6th
Edition of the Transform Africa Summit alongside his colleague, President Mnangagwa, and other African
Heads of State.
Minister Shava also 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.”
Dr Vincent Biruta described the existing economic partnership as one of the most outstanding areas
notable areas of cooperation.
“Trade relations have deep roots and the potential for ever-greater expansion. Both our counties urgently
need to enhance trade and economic cooperation in line with the cordial relations our countries enjoy.
He also pledged to continue working closely with Zimbabwe in various sectors of the two countriesʼ
economies.
“Indeed, our countries continue to collaborate in various sectors such as energy, tourism and
infrastructure development among others.
“Joint ventures and partnerships in these areas have the potential to significantly grow our economies,
create jobs and improve livelihoods.”
He also said that he was looking forward to further cementing two countriesʼ relationship by signing
additional bilateral agreements. Herald