Zambia and Zimbabwe have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their long-standing bilateral relations at 34th Session of the Zimbabwe- Zambia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) on Defence and Security.

Zambia’s Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Maambo Haamaundu, who announced that the meeting has kicked off in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, praised Zimbabwe for hosting of the commission.

He stated that the move demonstrates the country’s determination to sustain the cordial relationship between the two nations.

This is according to a press statement released to ZANIS by Ministry of Home Affairs Principle Public Relations Officer and Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala.

Mr Hamaundu reminded attendees that the commission’s mandate includes discussing matters of mutual concern such as transnational crimes, human and drug trafficking and illegal migration 

Meanwhile Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Aaron Nhepera expressed gratitude to Zambia for its crucial role in the liberation of several Southern African nations.

He said Nhepera acknowledged the sacrifices made by Zambians in support of Zimbabwe’s liberation from colonialism, saying that Zimbabwe remains eternally grateful.

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu and Acting Defence Minister Douglas Syakalima will join the commission today for a ministerial meeting with their Zimbabwean counterpart.