Zambia, Zimbabwe defence experts meet to sustain regional peace

Senior defence and security experts from Zambia and Zimbabwe have begun a three-day meeting to discuss ways of sustaining peace and security in the two neighbouring countries.

The meeting, being held at Sandy’s Creation in Chilanga, will discuss matters of mutual interest and prepare issues for consideration at the Zambia-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) scheduled to be hosted by Zambia in 2027.

The BNC will bring together Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa for talks.

Zambia’s Defence Ministry Permanent Secretary, Maambo Haamaundu, opened the meeting of technical experts from the defence and security committee of the Zambia-Zimbabwe BNC.

Haamaundu said the two countries shared a border of about 800 km and that the peace prevailing on both sides of the Zambezi River should be sustained.

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“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,” Haamaundu said.

He assured the defence and security experts of the Zambian government’s continued support in maintaining peace in the region.

Haamaundu said the elevation of the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security to a Bi-National Commission had created a need to align existing working arrangements with the new structure.

“The draft before us should therefore preserve the progress made under the JPCDS while providing clear guidance on how the defence and security committees will operate going forward,” Haamaundu said.

He said defence forces from both countries had a responsibility to ensure that the final document was practical, clear and responsive to their security requirements.

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