Story by Tafara Chikumira
ZIMBABWE and Mozambique are set to review and modernise their security cooperation framework as the two neighbouring countries intensify efforts to address emerging regional threats, strengthen border security and enhance defence collaboration.
The commitment was reaffirmed during high-level talks between Zimbabwe’s Minister of Defence, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, and Mozambique’s Minister of National Defence, Honourable Cristóvão Chume, at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks in Harare on Monday.
The discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in defence and security, with both countries agreeing to revisit existing agreements to ensure they remain responsive to evolving security challenges.
Speaking after the meeting, Honourable Muchinguri-Kashiri said Zimbabwe and Mozambique had agreed to review their 2006 security agreements through a dedicated committee tasked with recommending areas requiring renewal and strengthening.
“We have our 2006 agreement on the security cluster, which we feel needs to be refreshed. We have agreed to set up a committee to look into that area and bring recommendations on what needs to be done.
“Our friendship dates back to the liberation struggle. If Mozambique’s security is compromised, we are bound to feel the effects as well. We want to strengthen security within the region. We feel the war front is now being fought through the use of technology, and we need to align our training towards that thrust,” she said.
Mozambique underscored the importance of strengthening border security to safeguard stability within the region.
“I want to congratulate Zimbabwe on securing a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. That shows the confidence that the world has in the country.
“We have been allies for a very long time. My visit is part of our ongoing engagements, especially as my counterpart was recently in Mozambique. We are looking at ways in which we can cooperate and continue strengthening our friendship.
“We also have challenges relating to our porous borders. This creates opportunities for the trafficking of drugs and other contraband, and as such, we need to find lasting solutions to these problems,” Honourable Chume said.
Zimbabwe and Mozambique share strong bilateral relations dating back to the liberation struggle, ties that have continued to strengthen over the years through cooperation in various sectors, including defence and security.
