By 
The 14th Session of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)–Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security has opened in Lubumbashi with a strong call for strengthened cooperation in combating transnational crimes.
Zambia’s Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Maambo Haamaundu, urged both countries to intensify joint efforts against organised criminal activities such as smuggling, illegal migration and human trafficking.
According to a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday by Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer Paul Shalala, Haamaundu warned that terrorism remained a growing threat that can easily spill across borders if not effectively addressed.
Haamaundu, who is Co-Chairperson of the Senior Officials Meeting that opened today, said organised crime continued to pose a serious concern as it undermines national security.
“It will be important for delegates to take advantage of the session to devise strategies that would assist to curb the aforementioned vices,” he said.
He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to working closely with the DRC to ensure sustainable peace and security along their shared border and within the region.
Read More: Vice president Nalumango calls for immediate end to fighting in eastern DRC
DRC Chief of Staff in the Office of the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Security and Traditional Affairs, Iteku Jean Baelongandi, said the Joint Permanent Commission meeting came at a critical moment, as the DRC continued to face security challenges in the eastern part of the country.
Baelongandi emphasised the strong ties between the two nations.
“Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are brotherly countries that share common interests and values. Therefore, it is our duty to work closely and without complacency to find solutions to the problems that plague us,” he said.
The Senior Officials Meeting concludes Wednesday, and on Thursday the Joint Permanent Commission will transition into the Ministerial Meeting, which will be attended by Zambia’s Minister of Defence Ambrose Lufuma and his DRC counterpart.
Zambia’s delegation includes Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo, Zambia National Service Commander Lt Gen Eng Maliti Solochi II, Zambia Correctional Service Commissioner General Frederick Chilukutu, and Zambia Police Service Deputy Inspector General – Administration Charity Munganga.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments