Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 3rd March 2025.
Victoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe.
The 34th Session of the Zimbabwe-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security has concluded with a strong appeal for the unconditional removal of economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. The Commission emphasized that these sanctions continue to have a detrimental impact on Zimbabwe’s economic stability and development.
In a joint communiqué issued at the close of the meeting, Zambia and Zimbabwe urged the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states to demonstrate solidarity with Zimbabwe by engaging with international partners to facilitate the lifting of the sanctions. The call reflects the broader regional consensus that economic restrictions hinder not only Zimbabwe’s progress but also the collective growth of Southern Africa.
The high-level meeting, held from 28th February to 3rd March 2025 in Victoria Falls Town, underscored the deep historical ties between the two nations, often referred to as “Siamese twins” due to their close diplomatic, economic, and cultural bonds. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing mutual security concerns.
Beyond economic matters, the Commission also addressed pressing regional security challenges. Zambia and Zimbabwe expressed deep concern over ongoing conflicts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province. The meeting called for intensified regional and international efforts to restore peace and stability in these areas.
“The Commission further expressed concern on the security situation in Cabo Delgado Province in Mozambique. In this regard, the Commission called for concerted efforts aimed at restoring peace in the area,” the communiqué stated.
Zambia took the opportunity to congratulate Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on his assumption of the Chairmanship of SADC. The Zambian delegation assured its full support for Zimbabwe’s leadership in the regional bloc, particularly in matters of politics, defence, and security cooperation.
“As a member of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, the Zambian delegation assured their counterparts of Zambia’s support to the Chairperson of SADC in his efforts to ensure peace and security in the region and beyond,” the communiqué affirmed.
The session concluded with both nations reaffirming their commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing regional security challenges while continuing to strengthen their long-standing diplomatic and economic ties.
The Agency.