PREAMBLE WE, the Heads of State or Government of: The Republic of Angola The Republic of Botswana The Democratic Republic of Congo The Kingdom of Lesotho The Republic of Madagascar The Republic of Malawi The Republic of Mauritius The Republic of Mozambique The Republic 'of Namibia The Republic of Seychelles The Republic of South Africa The Kingdom of Swaziland The United Republic of Tanzania The Republic of Zambia The Republic of Zimbabwe CONSIDERING Article 21 of the Treaty of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) which provides for areas of cooperation and Article 22 which provides for conclusion of Protocols which may be necessary in agreed areas of cooperation; IN PURSUANCE of the promotion of interdependence and integration of our national economies for the harmonious, balanced and equitable development of the Region; WITH A VIEW to ensuring, through common action, the progress and wellbeing of the people of Southern Africa, including through poverty alleviation, with the ultimate objective of its eradication; 1