Zambia, Zimbabwe defence strengthen  ties

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 10:55:55 +0000

By Andrew Mukoma

 MINISTRY of Defence Permanent Secretary Stardy Mwale has urged defence and security services in Zambia and Zimbabwe to strengthen their relations by exploring new areas of cooperation.

Mr. Mwale said that this is in order to ensure peace and security in the two countries.

He said that the delegations attending the 31st session must come up with strategies that will enhance co-operation in fighting transitional crimes such as illegal migration border violation, money laundering, smuggling, poaching and drug and human trafficking.

He was speaking at Chrismar Hotel during the official opening of the 31st session of the Zambia/ Zimbabwe Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security.

“The Joint Permanent Commission in defence and security between Zambia and Zimbabwe is cardinal to our two countries as it provides an avenue through which various challenges that undermine our peace and security, especially along the common border, can be resolved,” he said.

And speaking as co-chairperson, Zimbabwean Secretary for Defence Martin Rushwaya noted with concern the unholy machinations of imperialist forces, whose goal is to topple constitutionally elected governments in the region and elsewhere on the continent.

Mr. Rushwaya said that while the two countries are bound by a common historical past, the challenges faced are not peculiar to the nations.

He said that Zimbabwe will never renege on its commitment t the search for regional peace and stability.

“We are, therefore, closely watching the political and security developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique. We are optimistic that the ongoing political processes in the two countries will yield lasting peace,” he said.