Harare
At the invitation of Honourable Prof. dr. Amon Murwira, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Honourable Maxim Ryzhenkov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, visited Harare, the Republic of Zimbabwe, for the Mid-Term Review (MTR) Session of the First Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Belarus.
The MTR was held from 14 to 16 April 2025 in Harare, the Republic of Zimbabwe. Honourable Victor Karankevich, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus, attended the MTR as a Guest of Honour. Deputy Ministers, Senior Government Officials, Heads of Higher Tertiary Institutions and Companies participated in sectoral negotiations during the MTR.
The two delegations engaged in comprehensive and constructive discussions, assessing progress in the implementation of joint commitments while identifying new avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation. The deliberations were conducted in a cordial manner and in a spirit of mutual respect and friendship, reflecting the strong and enduring partnership between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Belarus.
The MTR facilitated the convening of the Second Sitting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) in the Field of Agriculture, which reviewed progress in the implementation of agricultural cooperation initiatives and identified priority areas for further collaboration.
Furthermore, the MTR acknowledged with satisfaction the robust and expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including; agriculture, industrial cooperation, higher and tertiary education, health, disaster management and mining, among others. The MTR called for the enhanced implementation of Instruments of Cooperation that have already been signed as well as the speedy conclusion of the pending Instruments.
The Republic of Zimbabwe expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to the President of the Republic of Belarus, His Excellency Aleksandr Lukashenko, for the Humanitarian Assistance extended to the Republic of Zimbabwe, in response to the appeal by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, following the El Nino-induced drought.
The MTR underscored the importance of expediting the conclusion of all outstanding instruments of bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen further the implementation of shared commitments through tangible projects that will complement the two countries’ national development efforts. In this regard, both Parties welcomed the entry into force of the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation signed in 2023 between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Belarus.
The MTR recognized the importance of diplomatic engagement and facilitating official travel between the two countries and called upon the Parties to finalize the draft Agreement on the Exemption of Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports and to take measures to facilitate mutual travel of citizens.
The MTR confirmed the decision by the Commission that Belarus will host the Second Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation in 2026, in order to further follow up on the implementation of the agreements signed during the high-level visits and previous sessions of the JPCC, as well as exploring further areas of cooperation.
The MTR extensively discussed the impact of illegal unilateral sanctions imposed by the West on both nations, highlighting their restrictive effects on access to international financial institutions, trade, and overall economic development. It further noted the broader implications of these sanctions on global food security supply chains, particularly in sectors reliant on key commodities such as potash and agricultural inputs.
Both Parties emphasized that these measures hinder national development and disrupt international markets, exacerbating food insecurity and economic instability in various regions.
Both Parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation with like-minded partners to mitigate the adverse consequences of these illegal sanctions. The MTR stressed the need for enhanced economic collaboration, trade diversification, and the development of alternative mechanisms to ensure resilience against external economic pressures.
Additionally, both Parties expressed their determination to advocate for a fair and inclusive global economic system that upholds the principles of sovereignty, non-discrimination, and equal access to financial and trade opportunities.
Both Parties affirmed their mutual support in the United Nations and other international organisations, including, inter alia, support of the bid of the Republic of Zimbabwe for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the period 2027-2028.
In conclusion, both Parties expressed satisfaction with the achievements made during this MTR Session and underlined the importance of maintaining regular meetings under the framework of the Commission. Honourable Maxim Ryzhenkov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.