Mpombo urges Zambia, Mozambique security services to strengthen ties

Mpombo urges Zambia, Mozambique security services to strengthen ties
By Edwin Mbulo in Livingstone
Saturday December 15, 2007 [03:00]

DEFENCE minister George Mpombo has urged the security services of Zambia and Mozambique to strengthen their cooperation through regular interactions at various levels. And Zambia has congratulated Mozambique for the political stability and democracy achieved through holding of regular elections. Speaking at the closure of the first session of the Zambia – Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission on security and defence at Chrismar Hotel in Livingstone on Thursday, Mpombo said that issues of security and defence agreed at the first session must be implemented without delay.

“It is only by doing so that this commission will be appreciated by our people and leaders, and I wish to call the two delegations to explore various way of ensuring that the co-operation between Zambia and Mozambique is nurtured for the benefit of our peoples,” he said.

Mpombo stated that this co-operation should not be restricted to officials at national level but should also apply at lower structures.

And Mozambique national defence minister Tobias Joaquim Dai hoped that the commission’s objectives would be achieved.

“The commission’s objectives will provide the two countries an opportunity to reach a consensus on mutual relationships,” he stated.

According to a communiqué issued at the end of the first session of the meeting the Zambia delegation led by Mpombo also commended Mozambique for the sustained economic achievements which had greatly improved the lives of its people.
The Joint Permanent Commission also commended the government of Zambia and Mozambique for the establishing the Joint Permanent Commission on defence and security.

“The commission expressed confidence that this will enhance the warm and cordial relations existing between the two countries,” the statement read in part.

The commission further commended the efforts of SADC in ensuring sustainable peace in the region by launching the SADC standby brigade last August in Lusaka during the SADC summit.

“Notwithstanding these positive developments the commission expressed concerns over the displacement of civilians resulting from on going fighting between the Democratic Republic of Congo forces and the militias loyal to renegade General Laurent Nkundabatware in the eastern part of that country, the commission pledged to support all international efforts aimed at resolving the issue,” read the communiqué.

The commission further stated that it was becoming concerned over the increasing vulnerability of the Southern African region to the threats of terrorism, illegal migration, human trafficking, drug trafficking and armed robberies.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against HIV and AIDS and commended the defence and security services of the two countries for putting in place effective programmes intended to combat the scourge.