Minister of Defence has highlighted the growing threat of transnational crimes such as motor vehicle theft and smuggling of essential goods.
Ambrose Lufuma, said transnational crimes are a threat to national security and they need to be brought to a halt.
Mr. Lufuma was speaking when he opened the Ministerial Meeting at the 26th Session of the Zambia – Namibia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security in Chilanga District.
He noted that transnational crimes need to be fought as they risk the stability of nations.
Mr. Lufuma tasked the Joint Permanent Commission to come up with collaborative efforts from both Zambia and Namibia to fight crimes across the common border.
“The Defence and Security services of both countries need to work together and conduct joint efforts to curb crime. The two countries need stability for investment to thrive,” Mr. Lufuma stated.
In the area of food security and responding to humanitarian disasters, Mr. Lufuma noted that the Zambia Defence Force is doing extremely well.
He also lauded the government and people of Namibia for holding peaceful elections in November 2024 which ushered into office President Nandi Ndaitwah-Netumbo, the first female to lead the southern African country.
And Namibia’s Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Frans Kapofi paid tribute to Zambia for hosting Namibian freedom fighters during the liberation struggle.
Mr. Kapofi said Zambia’s founding father Dr. Kenneth Kaunda hosted many liberation movements in the country and today they consider Zambia as their second home.
“Zambia did not just sacrifice for its neighbours but also suffered the consequences of its generosity at the hands of the Ian Smith regime of Southern Rhodesia and the apartheid government of South Africa,” he said.
The 26th Session of the Zambia – Namibia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security is expected to end later today.
This is according to a statement issued by Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala.
