Zim, Zambia reaffirm security ties

Leonorah Ncube in VICTORIA FALLS

ZIMBABWE and Zambia have reaffirmed their strong historical and security ties at the 34th session of the Zimbabwe-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, which officially started yesterday.

The two countries are looking to enhance cooperation on regional security, counter-terrorism and transnational crime.

Officiating at the session, Permanent Secretary for Defence Mr Aaron Nhepera and his Zambian counterpart Mr Maambo Haamaundu highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between the two countries, emphasising their shared history, culture and common struggle for independence.

“Zimbabwe and Zambia do not just share excellent bilateral relations; we have a longstanding paternal connection that predates British colonial rule,” said Mr Nhepera.

“We are essentially one and the same people, inseparable, as the usual reference to us as ‘Siamese twins’ suggests.”

He paid tribute to the late founding fathers of both countries, including Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Cdes Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo; as well as Malawi’s Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda, for their collective efforts in fighting colonial rule. He recalled Zambia’s significant role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, providing support to nationalist movements such as ZAPU and ZANU, as well as other African liberation movements like FRELIMO of Mozambique and the ANC of South Africa.

“Many Zambians sacrificed not just their resources, but even their lives in support of Zimbabwe’s liberation from the shackles of colonialism. For this, Zimbabwe remains eternally grateful,” he said.

The meeting, which ends today, comes at a time when the Southern African region is grappling with various security challenges, including conflicts in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mr Haamaundu echoed similar sentiments.

“We have a mandate to ensure that matters of mutual concern and interest are addressed. We must review and develop action points going forward,” he said.

“The spirit of oneness instilled in us by our founding fathers must guide us as we continue working together for the common good of our countries and the region.”

The Zimbabwe-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security was attended by high-ranking security officials, including Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda, Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba, Director-General in the President’s Office Dr Fulton Mangwanya and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Commissioner-General Dr Moses Chihobvu.