President Jacob Zuma is this morning hosting his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Robert Mugabe, who is in the country for the second session of the Bi-National Commission.
President Mugabe arrived at the Waterkloof Air Force Base on Monday evening.
The BNC will afford the two Heads a State an opportunity to review bilateral relations between the countries.
Boosting trade and economic relations will top the agenda as the two neighbours face an uphill battle over poverty, inequality and unemployment.
According to the Presidency, the two Presidents are expected “to deliberate and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, particularly peace, security, stability, and development in the SADC region and some parts of the continent.”
To date, the two countries have signed more than 40 Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and agreements.
The agreements and MoUs cover a broad range of areas, which include trade and investment, immigration, defence, transport, agriculture, environment, energy, health, labour, water management, taxation, as well as arts and culture.
Today more agreements in the fields of labour, employment and health are expected to be signed.
Zimbabwe is one of South Africa’s top five trading partners on the continent, with trade statistics showing annual growth.
In 2016, South Africa’s exports to Zimbabwe amounted to approximately R29.3 billion.
There are over 120 South African companies doing business in Zimbabwe in various sectors including mining, aviation, tourism, banking sector, the property sector, the retail sector, construction sector, as well as the fast food sector. - SAnews.gov.za
