Zimbabwe Senate Approves Ratification of Bilateral Air Services Agreement

In a significant development for Zimbabwe’s aviation sector, the Senate has approved the ratification of bilateral air service agreements with several foreign states. The motion, presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Ziyambi, received overwhelming support from the senators.

The agreements, which were concluded by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, involve countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mozambique, Jordan, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Gabon, Rwanda, Seychelles, Ethiopia, and Iraq. According to Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, any conventions, treaties, or agreements with foreign states or international organizations must receive parliamentary approval.

During his address to the Senate, Hon. Ziyambi highlighted the significance of ratifying these agreements, emphasizing their potential to boost the country’s economy and strengthen diplomatic ties. He stated, “We want to attract several airlines to Zimbabwe, and this is part of the work that our Minister of Transport is doing to ensure that we are connected.”

Support for the motion resonated across the Senate, with senators sharing their perspectives on the benefits these agreements would bring to Zimbabwe. Hon. Sen. Komichi expressed gratitude to the Minister, recalling a time when Zimbabwe’s airports were vibrant with international flights. He remarked, “It is disheartening that our economy has gone down. Anything that is there to improve the economy of the country should be accepted with both hands.”

Hon. Sen. Chief Charumbira addressed the inconvenience faced by travelers, stating, “We have a major issue in the region in that for one to travel to other countries, you do not find airlines that fly direct to that country.” He emphasized the cost and time savings these agreements would offer, stating, “It is going to be cheaper, and less time is going to be used.”

Sharing a personal experience, Hon. Sen. Sipani-Hungwe recounted a journey where a more direct route could have been taken, saying, “I once traveled with Senator Parirenyatwa, and we had to fly via South Africa although we could have used a direct route which is nearby.” She welcomed the long-overdue ratification and urged its swift passage.

Hon. Sen. Tongogara expressed his gratitude for the timely nature of the agreements, coinciding with the completion of Zimbabwe’s state-of-the-art international airport. He stated, “Our airport is almost ready. It is now a world-class airport and competes favorably with other international airports.”

In his closing remarks, Hon. Ziyambi expressed appreciation for the Senate’s support, acknowledging the importance of these agreements in enhancing Zimbabwe’s connectivity and integration with other nations. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to attracting multiple airlines to Zimbabwe, stating, “We want to attract several airlines to Zimbabwe, and this is a welcome development which we are integrating with other countries.”

The ratification of these bilateral air service agreements marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe’s aviation industry. The increased connectivity is expected to have wide-ranging benefits, including improved trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Zimbabwe is set to strengthen its position as a key regional hub, fostering economic growth and enhancing its international standing.