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Leonard Ncube Bulawayo Bureau
Secretary for Defence and War Veterans Mr Martin Rushwaya has called for enhanced security sector cooperation in the Sadc region to fight organised cross-border crime.
Speaking during the 32nd Session of the Zimbabwe-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission of Defence and Security currently underway in Victoria Falls, Mr Rushwaya bemoaned the prevalence of transitional organised crime between the two countries.
He said some of the common crimes include illegal migration, poaching and smuggling.
Mr Rushwaya called for cooperation in dealing with these crimes.
“This meeting is an important platform to exchange notes and pave way for stronger cooperation in combating common security threats. These threats continue to evolve, riding on the exponential growth in information and communication technology and the accelerated pace of globalisation.
“This is leading to a rise in transnational organised crime and as such the need for a stronger bilateral and multilateral defence and security cooperation can never be overemphasised. The influx of irregular migrants, particularly from the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa, poaching of wildlife and smuggling are some of the major security challenges we are facing in the region,” he said.
Mr Rushwaya said Zimbabwe and Zambia enjoy brotherly relations cemented by a common history and converging aspirations.
He said the regular manner in which the two neighbouring countries hold defence and security meetings is a clear testimony of the cordial bi-lateral defence and security cooperation. This, he said, is anchored on the shared and burning desire for sustainable peace and security in the two countries and the entire Sadc region.
Mr Rushwaya commended security services from Zimbabwe and Zambia for managing to deal with criminal activities along the two countries’ border.
He also paid tribute to Sadc for its instrumental role in restoring peace in Lesotho and DRC.
Mr Rushwaya thanked the Sadc region, the international community, humanitarian organisations, the corporate world and ordinary citizens for assistance rendered to victims of Cyclone Idai. He told about 300 delegates that Zimbabwe is still trying to come to terms with the devastating effects of the catastrophe.
His counterpart and co-chair Mr Stardy Mwale, who is Zambia Defence Ministry Permanent Secretary, said there was need to enhance co-operation between the two countries. The meeting started on Monday and ends on Friday.
Ministers of Defence from both countries will co-chair the opening ceremony tomorrow.
Online Reporter