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Zambia and Burundi have begun implementing several bilateral agreements signed in August 2024 during Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s visit to Zambia.
According to Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala, the two countries have agreed to open embassies in each other’s capitals as part of efforts to deepen diplomatic ties.
In a statement issued on Monday, Shalala said a delegation from the Burundi Senior Command and Staff College is currently in Zambia to benchmark best practices from the Zambia Defence Force.
Speaking when he received the Burundian delegation in Lusaka, Minister of Defence, Ambrose Lufuma noted that significant progress had been made to actualize the six bilateral agreements signed last year.
He stated that military cooperation between Zambia and Burundi had improved and that Zambia had appointed a Defence Attaché designate to be based in Bujumbura, further cementing military ties.
“The Defence Force of Zambia has appointed a Defence Attaché designate to be resident in Bujumbura, hence bringing our military relationship even closer,” Lufuma said.
He added that exchange programmes for defence personnel were also being established between the two nations.
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“Today we stand united in our commitment to harness regional cooperation for development and sustainable peace and security. As we confront common challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and economic instability, strengthening our partnership is essential,” Lufuma said.
Meanwhile, Burundian Ambassador to Zambia Evelyn Butoyi said that much progress had been made since the signing of the six agreements and commended the friendly bilateral environment between the two countries.
Delegation Leader, cBrigadier General Nestor Nibayubahe said the visit by the Burundi Senior Command and Staff College was aimed at learning from Zambia’s defence systems.
“My delegation is conducting this benchmarking visit under the theme ‘Harnessing Regional Cooperation for Peace and Security,’” Nibayubahe said.
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