Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWE and Angola are deepening their historic defence and security ties forged during the liberation struggle, with the two countries signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation.
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said the agreement would further cement relations between the two sister republics and strengthen cooperation at the regional and continental level.
She said the two countries shared a common history dating back to their liberation struggles when the MPLA, ZAPU and ZANU fought against Portuguese and British colonial rule.
“Our collective desire to re-assert our dignity, sovereignty and self-determination saw us jointly enduring relentless onslaughts by the Rhodesian settler and the South African apartheid regimes,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
She said after attaining independence in 1975, Angola extended invaluable support to Zimbabwean freedom fighters by providing training bases for ZIPRA forces.
“We extend our utmost appreciation for the training you offered to our cadres, including Generals and Air Officers, some of whom are still serving in the ZDF.
“A lot more paid the ultimate price on Angolan soil due to incessant enemy attacks which did not spare Angolan citizens.
“For providing bases to ZIPRA and other Southern Africa Liberation movements, Angolans incurred huge economic costs and lost many lives. For this, Zimbabwe remains eternally indebted to the people and Government of Angola,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the shared sacrifice during the liberation struggle laid the foundation for bilateral relations after Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980.
The relationship has since expanded to defence, security, trade, agriculture and other areas, with the two countries also working together through SADC and other multilateral platforms.
The two countries demonstrated their commitment to regional security when they, together with Namibia, deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the SADC Operation Sovereign Legitimacy.
“The spirit of solidarity and collective defence that binds our two countries was further amplified when, together with the Republic of Namibia, we deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo under the SADC
Operation Restore Sovereign Legitimacy. We, together, restored the sovereign authority to that sisterly SADC member State. This reaffirms our shared belief in the philosophy of African solutions to problems,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri applauded Angola for its continued diplomatic efforts to promote peace and security in the DRC.
She said the shared experience in the DRC culminated in Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia and the DRC signing a Mutual Defence Treaty on April 8, 1999, which later informed the SADC Mutual Defence Pact of 2003.
She also expressed gratitude to Angola for supporting Zimbabwe’s successful campaign for election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the new MoU would broaden cooperation in areas including Portuguese language training, preservation of liberation war heritage and mine action.
“The MoU will undoubtedly go a long way in further strengthening defence and security cooperation between our two countries, whose effect will cascade to the region and indeed, the African continent and beyond.
“As Zimbabwe, we are keen to benefit from Portuguese language training opportunities in the Republic of Angola. We seek to consolidate our co-operation in the construction and maintenance of liberation war shrines in the Republic of Angola.
“Our two countries can also cooperate in mine action. Zimbabwe is left with about 3 per cent of the total minefields, although the amount remains astronomical to complete. We are ready to share our experiences and to co-operate with our Angolan counterparts in this field,” she said.
Visiting Angolan Defence Minister Lucio Goncalves Amaral commended Zimbabwe for its contribution to peace and stability in the region.
Deputy Minister of Defence Levi Mayihlome, Secretary for Defence Mr Aaron Nhepera, and Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Emmanuel Matatu attended the meeting, among others.
