Zimbabwe and Zambia in fruitful engagements

Online Reporter

Zimbabwe and Zambia today agreed to further strengthen and deepen the existing bilateral relations between them, including preparations for the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation on Defence and Security (JPCCDS.

The two countries came to the agreement at the conclusion of the two-day 26th SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation in Lusaka, Zambia.

In a statement, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri, who was leading the Zimbabwean delegation comprising Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe and other senior Government officials said the two countries had cordial engagements.

“The delegation was well received by the Zambian Government,” reads the statement.

“The Zimbabwean delegation and their Zambian counterparts exchanged notes to further strengthen and deepen the existing bilateral relations, including preparations for the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation on Defence and Security (JPCCDS).

“This will build on the success already registered in the 18th Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) and the Joint Trade and Customs Committee (JTCC) which were held in March 2024 and May 2024 respectively. The meeting went on well. The Zimbabwe Government acknowledges the excellent bilateral relations existing between our two sister Republics.”

Zimbabwe and Zambia share a very rich history of co-operation, dating back to the colonial era where the later played a pivotal role in the country’s liberation war by opening up its borders to freedom fighters of Zanu and Zapu.

The two countries share critical infrastructure and resources such as the Kariba Dam, Victoria Falls Bridge and also the Victoria Falls, which is one of the seven wonders of the world.