Tanzania, Mozambique pledge to strengthen cooperation against security threats

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA and Mozambique have agreed to continue cooperating in addressing security challenges, including organised cross-border crime, misuse of technology, terrorism and other acts that may threaten peace and security in the two countries.

The agreement was reached and signed yesterday in Dar es Salaam by the Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Rhimo Nyansaho, and Mozambique’s Minister of National Defence, Cristovao Chume, during the closing of the Seventh Meeting of the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (JPCDS).

Dr Nyansaho said terrorism was among the threats requiring close attention and joint cooperation, particularly in border areas.

He said other challenges included armed robbery, vehicle theft, poaching, illegal logging, human trafficking, illegal immigration, trafficking in small arms and light weapons, drug trafficking, illegal mining and smuggling of goods.

He added that the meeting had enabled experts from various security institutions in the two countries to exchange experiences, assess the implementation of resolutions reached during previous meetings and develop joint strategies to address cross-border security challenges.

He explained that the discussions had strengthened the importance of cooperation in military and security matters, intelligence sharing, prisoner-related matters, capacity building and joint efforts to combat terrorism, extremist ideologies and other emerging security threats.

“As we conclude, our responsibility is to turn these decisions into action. We must maintain the momentum, strengthen coordination and continue building a strong foundation of friendship and solidarity between Tanzania and Mozambique,” Dr Nyansaho said.

He said Tanzania would remain fully committed to ensuring that the decisions and agreements reached during the meeting were implemented on time and effectively for the benefit of the two countries and their people.

He explained that lasting peace and security go hand in hand with development and stability, adding that cooperation between the two countries should not end with discussions but should be strengthened through implementation of the decisions reached.

He also recalled remarks by Mozambique’s first President, the late Samora Machel, on the importance of solidarity, saying Tanzania and Mozambique should continue building on the vision of the founding fathers of the two countries.

“We must return to the vision of our founding fathers. Tanzania is committed to ensuring that we do not lose sight of that direction and vision,” he said.

For his part, Mozambique’s Minister of National Defence, Cristovao Artur Chume, urged defence and security institutions in the two countries to put into practice the decisions reached during the meeting, stressing the importance of closely monitoring their implementation to ensure that they are carried out in accordance with the agreements.

He said continued improvement of security in border areas had helped citizens create a favourable environment for investment, trade, employment and other economic activities, thereby contributing to peace, stability and social and economic development for people in the two countries.

He further said the meeting had provided the two countries with an opportunity to discuss in depth the challenges they face and lay the foundation for continued success through cooperation and mutual understanding