The 28th Session of the Zimbabwe/Botswana Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security was held at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, from 27th to 31st August 2012.
The Zimbabwe delegation was led by Hon. Dr. Sydney T. SEKERAMAYI, Senator and Minister of State for National Security. The delegation included Hon. Emmerson D. MNANGAGWA, MP, Minister of Defence, Hon. Kembo C. D. MOHADI, MP, and Hon. Theresa MAKONE, MP, Co-Ministers of Home Affairs, and senior government officials.
The Botswana delegation was led by Hon. Dikgakgamatso N. SERETSE, MP, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security and included Hon. Edwin J. BATSHU, MP, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, and senior government officials.
The Commission deliberated on bilateral issues of mutual interest in the areas of Defence, State and Public Security, and reviewed the implementation of the resolutions of the last meeting, which was held at Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel Resort, Gaborone, Botswana from 29th August to 2nd September 2011. In this regard, the Commission expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation between the sister Republics.
The Commission noted the recent retirement of His Honour, the Vice President Lt. Gen Mompati MERAFHE and the appointment of Dr. P.H.K. KEDIKILWE as Vice President of the Republic of Botswana. The Commission wished Lt. Gen MERAFHE well in his retirement and congratulated Dr. KEDIKILWE on his appointment.
The Commission welcomed the appointment of Lt. Gen G. GALEBOTSWE and Mr. K. MAKGOPHE as Commander of the Botswana Defence Force and the Commissioner of Police, respectively, and wish them success in their new responsibilities.
On Zimbabwe, the Commission noted with satisfaction the progress made thus far in the drafting of the new Constitution.
The Commission endorsed the resolution made by the 32nd Session of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit calling for the unconditional lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe by the European Union, the United States of America, Britain and their allies.
The Commission also noted continuing cooperation in Customs, Immigration, Parks and Wildlife, Prison Services, Defence and Security.
In the area of Public Security, the Commission resolved to intensify bilateral cooperation in dealing with transnational organised crime such as the smuggling of goods, livestock rustling, human and drug trafficking.
With regard to Defence, the Commission observed with satisfaction that all resolutions made during its 27th Session had been successfully implemented. This contributed to regional peace and stability, as well as the solidification of the already harmonious relations between the two countries.
The Commission noted the work being done by the countries’ respective Surveyors General in the re-affirmation of the International Border and urged the two countries to provide resources for the completion of the exercise.
The Commission applauded the two countries for their continued commitment in the fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) along the common border. The Commission urged the relevant authorities to intensify public education on the effects of the FMD on the economies of the two countries.
With regard to regional security, the Commission noted with concern the volatile security situation in eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar. On this note, the Commission expressed its appreciation of the efforts being made by the SADC in resolving the conflicts in those countries.
The Commission noted with deep sorrow the passing on of Presidents Bingu wa MUTHARIKA of Malawi and John Atta MILLS of Ghana as well as Prime Minister Meles ZENAWI of Ethiopia. It applauded the smooth transition of power in Malawi and Ghana following these sad developments.
The Commission welcomed the election of Dr. Nkosazana DLAMINI-ZUMA of South Africa as the new African Union Commission Chairperson.
The Zimbabwe delegation congratulated Botswana on winning a Silver medal in athletics at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The Commission noted that Zimbabwe and Zambia were scheduled to co-host the 20th Session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly to be held in August 2013 in Victoria Falls and Livingstone, respectively, and pledged to work together to make it a success.
The Botswana delegation expressed its appreciation to the Government and the people of Zimbabwe for the warm hospitality and excellent facilities that were extended to them.
The Botswana delegation extended an invitation to Zimbabwe to attend the 29th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission to be held in Botswana in 2013 at a date and venue to be advised. The Zimbabwe delegation accepted the invitation.
