Malawi and Zimbabwe are moving to deepen cooperation on cross-border crime and trade, signalling a renewed push to align security with economic interests.
Mi n i s ter o f Ju st i ce and Constitutional Affairs Charles Mhango said in Lilongwe on Saturday that the two countries are reviewing cooperation frameworks to better tackle shared challenges, particularly transnational crime.
Speaking during Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Day celebrations, he said the review will also extend to trade relations to unlock economic opportunities between the two countries.
Said the minister: “We need a common, mutually respectful approach in dealing with cross-border trade and crime so that both countries benefit.”
peace and prosperity. | Andrew Viano
He described relations between the two countries as “cordial”, citing Zimbabwe’s support to Malawi with food aid, including maize following the declaration of a State of Disaster.
“As we saw when His Excellency, Professor Peter Mutharika declared a national disaster in Malawi, they came and helped us with maize and [other] food items. So, we enjoy a very cordial relationship between Malawi and Zimbabwe,” said Mhango.
Zimbabwe High Commissioner Nancy Saungweme said ties between the two countries remain strong, underpinned by migration, intermarriages and economic
cooperation.
She said an overdue review of memoranda of understanding, initially scheduled for 2024, will help assess progress and strengthen collaboration in key sectors such as health, agriculture and education.
Saungweme also highlighted Malawi’s continued participation in the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, noting that 15 Malawian companies are expected to take part this year.
The 46th Independence Day event, held under the theme ‘Unity and development towards Vision 2030’, drew diplomats, government officials and members of the Zimbabwean community.
