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Zambia: The 24th Session of the Zambia/Botswana Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (JPCDS) has resolved to continue strengthening bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation.
The Commission held from 23rd to 27 July 2023 was chaired by the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security of the Republic of Zambia, Jack J MWIMBU, MP and co-chaired by his Botswana counterpart, Thomas Kagiso MMUSI, MP.
The Commission paid glowing tribute to the founders of both nations for their visionary leadership as well as their contributions to the liberation of the Southern Africa region and Africa as a whole.
The Commission noted with gratitude the continued support from their Excellencies, Hakainde HICHILEMA, president of the Republic of Zambia and Dr Mokgoweetsi Eric Keabetswe MASISI, President of the Republic of Botswana, in allowing the 24th Session to take place.
Regarding security, the Commission observed that transnational organized crimes were rising. To this end, both countries’ Defence and Security sectors were called upon to step up joint efforts to curb these threats through bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
On political and security developments in the region, the Commission reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to working closely. It commended the progress made by the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), which Botswana and Zambia are part of in combating acts of terrorism and violent extremism in Cabo Delgado province in Northern Mozambique.
The Commission paid tribute to the SAMIM personnel from the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Botswana, South Africa and Zambia, as well as the United Republic of Tanzania, who died during the course of duty. In this regard, the Botswana delegation thanked the Government of the Republic of Zambia for the assistance in transporting the personnel’s remains to Botswana.
The Commission expressed optimism that, with the planned deployment of the SADC Mission in DRC aimed at complementing efforts of the East African Community Regional Force, peace will be restored in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Botswana congratulated Zambia as the incoming Chair of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and pledged support to Zambia’s tenure.
The Commission conveyed best wishes to the people of the Republics of Botswana and Zambia as they commemorate their independence days in September and October, respectively.
