By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Ministers across the Southern African Community Development (SADC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and economic integration.
The commitment follows the conclusion of the SADC Council of Ministers Meeting held in Pretoria, South Africa.
The two-day meeting, chaired by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, reviewed progress on key regional programmes and considered measures aimed at accelerating industrialisation, strengthening agricultural transformation and advancing energy transition in the region.
Speaking after the meeting, Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, described the deliberations as constructive and forward-looking.
Mr. Haimbe noted that the region must continue advancing reforms aimed at promoting growth and long-term sustainability.
“Zambia as a market is about 20 million people, but within the SADC region we are speaking of a market of more than 300 million people. That collective strength provides a strong platform for trade, investment and economic growth,” Mr. Haimbe said.
And speaking during the closing ceremony, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation expressed gratitude to the ministers and heads of delegation for the constructive spirit that characterised the deliberations and reaffirmed the region’s shared commitment to regional cooperation.
“Our discussions have once again demonstrated the strength of our shared commitment to advancing regional cooperation and integration in the Southern African Development Community,” Minister Lamola stated.
The Council reviewed the implementation of previous SADC Summit and Council decisions, progress on the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund, disaster risk management, and the mid-term review of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP).
