Namibia and Zambia have expressed concern about prevailing cross-border crimes such as smuggling of goods, illegal fishing and timber harvesting, as well as illegal migration between the two nations.

Additionally, transnational organised crimes such as human trafficking and terrorist financing also continue to evolve.

These were some of the concerns discussed at the 25th session of the Namibia/Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, which ended at Swakopmund on Thursday.

In his closing remarks, Namibian Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Frans Kapofi noted that the two countries have now commenced with the defining and clearance of the borderline, to be followed by the affirmation of boundary beacons and installation of intermediary beacons to make the borderline more visible.

‘I am confident that the team of engineers and surveyors assigned to this responsibility will meet the given deadline of December 2025,’ Kapofi added.

He further applauded the reopening of the Luhonono and
Mwandi border posts, as well as the plans to establish a formal border post at Machenge Bay on Impalila Island, saying that this should be spread across the whole borderline to facilitate the smooth movement of people and goods.

With regard to global developments, the commission underscored the need for continued peace, human health, and environmental security.

It was therefore agreed that efforts aimed at addressing insecurity, pandemics, and climate change, be intensified.

The commission also commended the two governments for putting in place measures to mitigate the impact of drought, particularly on food and energy security.

The meeting was aimed at the two nations carrying forward the fraternal and neighbourly relations that exist between them.

It also deliberated on bilateral as well as regional and global issues of interest to both Namibia and Zambia.

Zambian Minister of Defence Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma expressed confidence that the agreements the two countries made during the meeting will go a long
way in assisting them to remain peaceful and stable.

Lufuma highlighted the importance of holding regular meetings such as this one, to strengthen the two countries’ traditional ties.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency