Maputo, 25 Jan (AIM) – Mozambican Defence Minister Cristovao Chume on Thursday called for stepping up exchanges of information between Mozambique and Zambia in order to avoid the spread of crimes such as terrorism.
Speaking during a meeting of the Standing Joint Defence and Security Commission between the two countries, Chume said “we must boost our bilateral cooperation in the defence and security area through a continual exchange of information”.
Cited by the independent daily “O Pais”, he stressed “we must also be attentive to illicit acts which endanger the sovereignty and security of our nations, such as terrorism, illegal immigration, trafficking in drugs and in human beings, and piracy”.
“We must redouble our efforts to give a due response to these acts”, Chume declared.
For his part, Zambian Defence Minister Ambrose Lufume said joint action between these two members of SADC (Southern African Development Community) is important since Zambia is also concerned at the spread of terrorism.
“Organised transnational crimes, such as smuggling, illegal immigration, illegal logging, and poaching, as well as the threat of terrorism remain a great concern for the peace and security of Zambia and Mozambique, and of the region in general”, said Lufume.
The meeting is attended by various stakeholders and experts in the defence sector of these countries which share a common border.
(AIM)
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