Zimbabwe says the instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique poses a security threat to the region.

Speaking during the official opening of the senior official’s session on the 34th session of the Zimbabwe and Zambia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) on Defence and Security.

Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Aaron Nhepera said threats of insecurity tend to undermine efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security in the region.

He pointed out that peace and security between Zimbabwe and Zambia have been affected as the result of conflicts in Congo and Mozambique.

“The terrorism situation that the republic of Mozambique and the Democratic republic of Congo are grappling with, are cases in point that equally affect our two countries”, he said.

 Mr Nhepera called for the formulation of new strategies that aim to address security concerns in the region.

He indicated that the JPC has come at a time when SADC is faced with a myriad of peace and security challenges.

Mr Nhepera said collective efforts are required if sustainable peace in the region is to be actualised.

And Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Zimbabwe in fostering peace and stability in the region.

Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Maambo Haamaundu said the government is committed to the work of the commission and to strengthening the existing ties between the countries.

“I wish to reaffirm the commitment by the Zambian government to the work of this commission and to strengthening ties between the two countries,” said Mr Hamaundu.

Mr Haamaundu however implored the two countries to ensure that the recommendations once approved are fully implemented for the benefit of Zambia and Zimbabwe.