Malawi and Mozambique have commenced the 17th session of their Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security in Blantyre. The meeting, which will run for four days, brings together defence and security institutions from both countries. The session aims to strengthen regional security, border management, and combat cross-border crime. This initiative underscores the commitment of both nations to enhance cooperation on defence and security matters.
Gift Dula, chairperson of the commission's officials' meeting and Principal Secretary for Defence, emphasized the importance of this bilateral mechanism. He noted that it strengthens the long-standing ties between Malawi and Mozambique, providing a platform for dialogue, cooperation, information sharing, and coordinated responses to shared defence and security concerns. This session is expected to review the integrated plan approved during last year's session in Maputo, Mozambique.
The integrated plan targets cross-border crime, prioritizing the fight against human trafficking and drug smuggling. It also focuses on systematic intelligence and border security information-sharing. Dula highlighted that these efforts are crucial in addressing common security challenges faced by both countries. The session will also review the implementation of previous resolutions and recommendations.
Casimiro Augusto Mueio, Mozambique's Principal Secretary for Defence and co-chairperson of the session's officials' meeting, echoed Dula's sentiments. He described the meeting as a platform for dialogue on matters of common interest in defence and security. Mueio emphasized that both countries share a common goal of ensuring their citizens live peacefully while engaging in life-transforming activities such as trade.
Mueio identified traffickers and drug dealers as common enemies that have been trying to destabilize both countries. He noted that these criminals often use the borders of Malawi and Mozambique to facilitate illegal trade. The session has three sub-committees: Defence, Public Security, and State Security. Delegates from these committees will exchange views on political, defence, and security developments affecting both countries.
The Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security is a critical bilateral mechanism for Malawi and Mozambique. It enables both countries to address shared defence and security concerns through cooperation and information sharing. The commission's sessions have been instrumental in fostering a stronger relationship between the two nations.
The four-day session will conclude with a review of the progress made and the adoption of new resolutions and recommendations. These outcomes are expected to further enhance cooperation between Malawi and Mozambique on defence and security matters. The strengthened partnership aims to create a more secure environment for the citizens of both countries.
Key points
- Malawi and Mozambique have opened a four-day joint commission to enhance regional security, border management, and combat cross-border crime.
- The session targets cross-border crime, prioritizing the fight against human trafficking and drug smuggling.
- The commission's sessions have been instrumental in fostering a stronger relationship between the two nations.
