09 Oct 2017

Botswana is committed to the Botswana-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) on Defence and Security.

Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale said this giving the closing remarks at the just ended 21 session of the Botswana-Zambia JPC on Defence and Security that took place in Selebi Phikwe from October 2-6.

He said through the commitment of the two countries to the JPC and cooperation in operations and strategies that had been put in place, challenges such as transnational organised crime, poaching of wildlife, smuggling of contraband, general theft, irregular migration and terrorism be contained.

Minister Molale noted that during the four-day deliberations, the commission discussed several issues from defence, state and public security.

“Through our deliberations we indeed are intending to have everlasting peace between our two republics. This commitment will take us to greater heights and enhance our relations as well as our ability to, side by side, fight cross border criminal activities,” he said.

Mr  Molale went on to recognise the importance of the construction of the Kazungula Bridge project, noting that the project would have economic benefits and enhanced cultural connections that shall accrue out of it as well as the deserving reciprocal regional contribution for coordinated development in the SADC region and beyond through the bridge project investment.

For his part, Zambia Minister of Defence, Mr Davies Chama said the JPC meeting would strengthen commitment of the two countries in fighting cross border crime, poaching, terrorism and other illegal activities.

“Looking at the proximity of the two nations, it shall require continued cooperation in order to achieve stability in the two nations and SADC region. I implore members of the JPC to take advantage of the platform that the Commission offers to diversify strategies that will ensure that transnational organised crime is put on hold.”

In the meantime, during the meeting, the commission also reviewed progress on the implementation of resolutions of the 20th session that was held at Chrisma Hotel in Livingstone - Zambia from November 13 to 18, 2016.

The commission called on law enforcement agencies of the two countries to enhance efforts to combat the vices.

Botswana delegation, which was led by Minister of Defence Justice and Security Mr Shaw Kgathi also included Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs Mr Edwin Batshu, Assistant Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse, Commander of BDF Lt Gen. Placid Segokgo as well as senior government officials.

The 22nd  session of JPC will be held in Zambia in 2018 on a date and venue to be communicated. ends