Staff Reporter
THE Defence Ministry’s Executive Director, Wilhelmina Shivute, has expressed concern about the various conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, emphasising that these events have widespread negative effects globally.
“The situation in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, as well as North, West, and Central Africa is worrisome as it has ramifications and effects on our regions too. We are pleased that the situation in Mozambique has calmed, but we are concerned about the escalation in Eastern DRC,” she said.
Shivute made these remarks at the opening of the Senior Officials Meeting of the 25th Session of the Namibia/Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security. She added that the previous 24 sessions have fostered collaboration between the Namibia and Zambia in combating cross-border crime and improving the cross-border movement of people and goods, contributing to the ongoing peace between them.
“The excellent relations existing between our governments and peoples cannot be overemphasised. We have long-standing fraternal and neighbourly relations which predate all of us who congregate here today. These relations were further cemented during our pursuit of freedom and independence,” the Defence Ministry’s Executive Director said.
She explained that the purpose of the 25th Session of the Namibia/Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security is to ensure that both countries continue to coexist in a secure, peaceful, and stable environment, despite global conflicts.
“The developments in other parts of the world demonstrate that peace is fragile. As such, we need to prepare ourselves to attain a certain level of deterrence to maintain our peace and stability. This platform is designed to afford us an opportunity to consider issues of mutual concern and to work together to withstand challenges and threats to our countries and peoples,” she added.
