Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
DEFENCE Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has underscored the importance of strengthening relations between Zimbabwe and Algeria, with a focus on bolstering defence and security cooperation.
In her remarks during an official visit to Algeria on Wednesday, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the two countries shared a legacy of armed struggle for independence. “Algeria was one of the key countries that supported our liberation struggle, morally, materially and logistically,” she said.
“Many of the cadres of our liberation movement were trained in Algeria, including some who occupy high offices in the current Government. For this, we are truly grateful. Our collaboration is rooted and anchored in the principles of mutual respect and a shared vision for mutually beneficial development and prosperity for our nations and peoples.”
In that regard, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to working with Algeria to strengthen and broaden the bonds of friendship and solidarity. She added that Zimbabwe and Algeria remain committed to building on the legacy of their forebears by forging pathways in defence cooperation in various fields such as military medicine and health services, demining operations, manufacture of defence equipment, mutual exchange of visits, research and development among other areas of interest.
Zimbabwe and Algeria have signed a number of cooperation agreements and MoUs covering vital sectors such as trade, investment, tourism, vocational training and higher education. The agreements were finalised during President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s two-day State visit to Algiers in July this year.
To strengthen the relations, Zimbabwe participated in the 4th Intra Africa Trade Fair hosted by Algeria in September and was attended by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa. The Zimbabwe – Algeria Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) was also held from July 16 to 18.
Algeria continues to grant scholarships to Zimbabwean students in the area of Science, Technology, Education and Medicine (STEM).
The proposed Framework for Defence Cooperation between Algeria and Zimbabwe is critical in further strengthening defence and security cooperation between the two countries. A reciprocal visit has been planned for next year where the proposed MoU will be signed during the visit.
Lieutenant General Said Chengriha, Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army, welcomed Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri and said her visit underlines the strong historical relations between the two nations. “This visit embodies the deep fraternal and historical bonds that unite the Algerian and Zimbabwean people and expresses the common will of the two countries’ leadership to promote bilateral cooperation, especially in the fields of defence and security,” he said.
