The historic fraternal relations, between our two countries necessitate that we work closely together for the betterment of the lives of our peoples and also to promote sustainable development in our region and continent.

Since the formalisation of relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe in 1994, our two countries have enjoyed cordial bilateral relations under the structured mechanisms of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) and Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (JPCDS).

These structured mechanisms have facilitated consultations and official engagements between our two countries and provided platforms from which issues of mutual interest could be raised and discussed.
Our deliberations of today, put great emphasis on the importance of signing the Agreement on the Establishment of the Bi-National Commission, whose objective is to take our relations to a higher level and to be led by the Heads of State of our respective countries.

Available: http://www.dirco.gov.za/docs/speeches/2015/jzum0408.htm