Zambia: Transnational organised crimes such as smuggling and terrorism are a growing threat to peace and security between Zambia and Mozambique, says the Government of Zambia.
Media reports that the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence, Norman Chipakupaku, said this during the official opening of the 12th Session of the Mozambique Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security in Maputo, Mozambique.
Chipakupaku observed that transnational organised crimes like smuggling, illegal migration, logging and threats of terrorism are still a great concern to the two countries.
Chipakupaku said Zambia would continue to promote collaborations that support peace-building and economic development.
The permanent secretary, who is leading the Zambian delegation, said the support to the defence and security apparatus is key in sustaining and attaining some of the joint development undertakings between the two countries.
He said, “These include the recent upgrading and expansion of the port of Nacala and the signing of the Nacala development agreements between the two countries. ”
Chipakupaku said the initiative between the two countries is meant to scale up levels of cooperation between Zambia and Mozambique.
He stated that such agreements will improve local businesses and economies of the two countries and create jobs for local people.
Mozambique’s Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Casimiro Muelo said his country shares Zambia’s holistic vision.
Muelo said the combined efforts of the two countries in the region can help stabilise security and promote peace.
He said the Joint Permanent Commission meeting allows delegates to solve problems with one holistic approach and maintain focus while finding ways to meet the objectives.
Muelo said the Zambia and Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security is taking place as part of the XI Session of the Mozambique-Zambia Permanent Joint Commission on Defence and Security (CCPDS) aimed at reviewing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
He said the meeting will also need to assess the level of implementation of the recommendations of the other sessions held in Mozambique in 2019 and design actions to be developed in the fields of defence, public security and state security, as well as improve existing cooperation mechanisms.
A Zambian delegation that also includes Defence and Security Chiefs as well as senior Government officials is in Mozambique for the 12th Session of the Mozambique/Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security.