Senior defence and security officials from Zambia and Zimbabwe have begun a three-day meeting in Chilanga to discuss matters of mutual interest and prepare issues for consideration at the 2027 Zambia-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission.
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Read E-PaperThe meeting brings together technical experts from the Defence and Security Committee of the two countries’ Bi-National Commission.
Opening the meeting on Tuesday, Zambia’s Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu said the talks were important in ensuring that the peace and security prevailing in both countries was maintained.
“Zambia and Zimbabwe share an approximately 800-kilometre border and stressed the need to preserve stability on both sides of the Zambezi River,” said Haamaundu.
He urged the experts to build on progress achieved through previous Joint Permanent Commissions on Defence and Security and the last Bi-National Commission.
“Let us not lose track of the success we scored in the previous Joint Permanent Commissions on Defence and Security (JPCDS) and the last Bi-National Commission (BNC). We need to build on that success and enhance our relations,” he said.
The meeting will also help align the countries’ working arrangements following the elevation of the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security to the Bi-National Commission structure.
Haamaundu said the draft framework under discussion should retain gains made under the previous arrangement while providing clear guidelines for the future operation of the defence and security committees.
“As members of the Defence Forces, we have a responsibility to ensure that the final document is practical, clear and responsive to the security requirements of both countries,” he said.
The issues prepared during the Chilanga meeting are expected to feed into the 2027 Bi-National Commission, which will be hosted by Zambia and bring together Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“The Zambian government remained committed to supporting efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security in the region,” he added.
