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Zambia and Tanzania have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation following the opening of the 4th Session of the Tanzania-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security in Arusha.
Speaking at the official opening of the Senior Officials’ Meeting, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary, Dickson Matembo, said the session provides an important platform for the two neighbouring countries to consolidate their long-standing relations and enhance collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
In a statement issued on Monday, Matembo noted that Zambia and Tanzania were already implementing several joint economic initiatives that continued to reinforce bilateral ties and promote regional integration.
He highlighted projects such as the Tanzania-Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA), Tanzania-Zambia Mafuta Pipelines Limited and the Tanzania-Zambia Power Interconnector as key examples of cooperation that support cross-border trade and economic development.
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“These joint ventures symbolise the strong bonds between the two countries and continue to support cross-border trade and regional integration,” Matembo said.
Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ally Gugu, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to working closely with Zambia across all sectors of cooperation.
He said the 4th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission offers an opportunity for constructive dialogue on matters affecting both nations.
Gugu expressed confidence that the discussions would further strengthen existing partnerships and identify new areas of collaboration in defence and security.
The Zambian delegation to the session includes Zambia Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni, Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba, Zambia Correctional Service Commissioner General Frederick Chilukutu, Drug Enforcement Commission Director General Nason Banda, and Ministry of Defence Director for Research, Planning and Projects Ireen Habasimbi.
The meeting is expected to conclude with a Ministerial Session on Thursday, during which the Ministers of Defence and Home Affairs from both countries will join the deliberations to review progress and provide policy direction on agreed areas of cooperation.
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