Rwanda and Zimbabwe are moving to deepen parliamentary cooperation, with the two countries seeking to strengthen institutional ties and share experiences in lawmaking, parliamentary oversight and national development.

The initiative is part of broader efforts by Kigali and Harare to consolidate bilateral relations, which have expanded beyond political and diplomatic engagement to encompass trade, education, infrastructure, defence, health, ICT, agriculture and legal cooperation.

The two countries have signed dozens of bilateral agreements covering various sectors.

The latest push to strengthen parliamentary ties followed a courtesy call by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jame Musoni on Zimbabwe’s Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, at Parliament in Mt Hampden on Wednesday, August 19.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on matters of mutual interest, including strengthening cooperation between the two legislatures and enhancing engagement through diplomatic and parliamentary channels.

Musoni said Rwanda was keen to build on the cordial relations between the two countries and take parliamentary cooperation to a higher level.

“We express gratitude and satisfaction with the bilateral relations between Rwanda and Zimbabwe, characterised as cordial and excellent,” Musoni said.

He said the two countries should explore ways of strengthening cooperation between their parliaments in support of efforts by their respective governments to deepen bilateral relations.

“We are also exploring ways of taking the collaboration between our parliaments to another level to support the ongoing efforts by our two principals, the Excellencies, Heads of State,” he said.

Musoni said the extensive framework of agreements between Kigali and Harare provided a strong foundation for further cooperation.

“Rwanda and Zimbabwe have signed about 30 bilateral agreements and MOUs in education, health, ICT, agriculture, transport and many others,” he said.

The ambassador also conveyed condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Rwanda following the Kariba ferry disaster, which claimed close to 100 lives.

Rwanda and Zimbabwe continue to strengthen their diplomatic and institutional relations through regular high-level engagements.

Parliamentary cooperation is expected to provide an additional platform for lawmakers from the two countries to exchange experiences on legislative processes, parliamentary administration, oversight and representation.

The engagement between Ambassador Musoni and Advocate Mudenda also underscores the growing role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening relations between African countries.

Closer links between the two legislatures could facilitate exchanges on legislative best practices and provide lawmakers with opportunities to discuss policies affecting bilateral trade, investment, governance and development.