Cabinet okays Zim, Lesotho joint commission

Thupeyo Muleya

Beitbridge Bureau

CABINET has approved the establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation between Zimbabwe and Lesotho to address issues of mutual interest.

The development follows a recent visit to Lesotho by Vice President Kembo Mohadi to witness the bicentenary of the foundation of the State of Lesotho and the 58th anniversary of independence from Britain held in Maseru.

The Vice President, who represented President Mnangagwa, had an opportunity to engage Basotho leaders on several bilateral issues.

The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, confirmed the development during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday.

“Cabinet approved as follows: that joint permanent commission on cooperation, as a legal framework to guide cooperation between Zimbabwe and Lesotho, be put in place in the second quarter of 2025,” said Dr Muswere.

“In addition, Cabinet also approved that the Ministries of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, and of Tourism and Hospitality Industry exchange high-level visits to the cultural village of Basotho so that they can implement it in our country as tourist attraction centres and that Zimbabwe engages the Lesotho Government relating to initiation of memoranda of understanding in potential areas of cooperation.”

During his visit to Lesotho, Vice President Mohadi said Zimbabwe’s diplomatic relationship with Lesotho remained strong and leaders from the two nations continued to work together for the advancement of peace, unity and key issues of mutual benefit for the two countries and the SADC region.

He commended Basotho for their vibrant history and the remarkable journey of bravery, unity, and strength that has characterised that nation over the past 200 years.

The story of Lesotho, Vice President Mohadi said, was one of courage, hope and a relentless pursuit of peace, freedom and dignity not just for Basotho, but for the people of the SADC region.

In the spirit of solidarity and shared experiences, Zimbabwe was honoured and pleased to receive Prime Minister Mr Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane at the recently held SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare.