By BRIAN HATYOKA –
DEFENCE Permanent Secretary Chileshe Mulenga has urged the defence and security wings of Zambia and Angola to strengthen their relations by exploring more areas of cooperation to enhance peace and security in the two countries.
Dr Mulenga noted that there was need for the two countries to continue deepening their relationship and ensure continued peace and security along the common border and within the two countries.
He was speaking at Chrismar Hotel in  in Livingstone yesterday, during the official opening of the 29th Session of the Angola/Zambia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) on Defence and Security.
Dr Mulenga, who is the chairperson for the 29th Session of the Angola/Zambia JPC on Defence and Security, urged members of the Commission to continue utilising the fora to formulate strategies aimed at addressing trans-national crimes.
“I want to urge members of the JPC to continue utilising this forum to formulate strategies aimed at addressing transnational crimes such as border violations, wildlife offences, money laundering, smuggling, drug and human trafficking.
“I also want to thank you for the continued commitment that your government has made towards sustaining this Commission and it is our hope that this interaction will be maintained for generations to come,” Dr Mulenga said.
Angola’s State Secretary for National Defence, Admiral Gaspar Santos Rufino urged the two countries to maintain the existing cooperation and relations.
Mr Rufino thanked the Zambian delegation for according his colleagues a warm reception and hospitality.
Ministers of Defence and Home Affairs from both countries are tomorrow expected to officially open the 29th Session of the Angola/Zambia JPC on Defence and Security.