South Africa and Zimbabwe sign five bilateral agreements

South Africa and Zimbabwe have signed five bilateral agreements to deepen cooperation following the fourth session of their Bi-National Commission in Pretoria. Hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa and attended by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the summit focused on translating political ties into economic and social programs.

The agreements cover several sectors, including agriculture, arts, culture, gender equality, and correctional services. A notable outcome is a framework for the transfer of sentenced offenders, which would allow Zimbabwean prisoners in South Africa and South African prisoners in Zimbabwe to serve their sentences closer to their families to aid rehabilitation.

To boost regional trade and logistics, the two nations identified several High-Impact Priority Projects. These include the construction of a third bridge over the Limpopo River and making the Beitbridge One Stop Border Post fully operational. Other priorities include a fertilizer manufacturing plant, regional automotive component manufacturing, and the development of industrial parks.

Addressing migration, South African International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola reaffirmed a commitment to managing migration in a lawful and humane manner, while unequivocally rejecting xenophobia and violence against foreign nationals.