By Amos Sikaonga 
By Amos Sikaonga
Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, has called on Zambia and Mozambique to strengthen their collaboration in combating transnational crimes that threaten regional peace and security.
Speaking during the official opening of the Senior Officials Meeting of the 13th Session of the Zambia-Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) on Defence and Security, in Chilanga District, Maambo Haamaundu, noted the importance of a united front in addressing cross-border threats.
Mr. Haamaundu stressed the need for collective effort to ensure peace and security in the region.
“Irregular migration, smuggling, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and terrorism are some of the threats that must be jointly tackled,” Mr. Haamaundu said.
Mr. Haamaundu added that peace and security are essential prerequisites for national development.
“As Zambia, we are committed to ensuring that this Joint Permanent Commission is successful and delivers for our two countries,” he added.
And Mozambican Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Casmiro Augusto Mueio, said insecurity within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region must be urgently addressed.
“Let us work together as one and find a common approach under the spirit of unity,” Mr. Mueio said.
The four-day event aims to address key defence and security challenges affecting both nations.
Zambian and Mozambican Ministers of Defence, as well as Ministers of Home Affairs and Internal Security, are expected to attend the Commission’s Ministerial Meeting on Wednesday.
This is according to a joint press statement issued by Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala and Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Principal Public Relations Officer, Mwala Kalaluka.
Cecilia Chiluba