Dar, Lusaka agree to enhance security, fight drug trafficking

TANZANIA: TANZANIA and Zambia signed an agreement to heighten the war against illicit drug trafficking and illegal migration along with improving security at the borders.

The agreement was signed at the second session of the Tanzania/Zambia ‘Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (JPCDS) here on Wednesday.

The session which started last Monday, culminated with the agreement and resolutions that include ensuring the implementation of all what has been agreed in the first session held last year and the second session, for the development of both countries.

The signing of the fresh agreement was done by the Permanent Secretary in the Zambia Ministry of Defence Mr Norman Chipakupaku and the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Coordination and Parliamentary Affairs) Ms Jenista Mhagama and Minister of Defence and National Service Dr Stergormena Tax.

Zambia’s Minister for Defence, Ambrose Lufuna said that the meeting in Zanzibar was another milestone in strengthening relations and ensuring the two countries’ borders remain safe.

“Security for both our countries along with peace are prerequisites to development… We need to work together against illegal migration, human and drug trafficking, and cross-border small arms trade that tend to destabilise our areas,” said Mr Lufuna.

“We insist to our various agencies to implement the agreements because, without doing that it is just talk shows. We have so far implemented about 80 per cent of our agreements in the first session,” he said.

On her part, Dr Tax said the two countries were on track in the implementation of agreements including conducting regular meetings.

“We look forward to having boundaries and countries free of terrorism, illegal trafficking of humans and drugs, illegal migration and other illegal activities so that people in both countries can concentrate on development,” said the minister.

On behalf of the Commission, the ministers expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Zambian counterpart Mr Hakainde Hichilema for allowing the second session of the JPCDS, and their initiatives in promoting the relations.

The ministers also thanked Zanzibar President Mr Hussein Mwinyi, for accepting to host the session here.