The official Opening remarks of 23rd Joint Permanent Commission

The Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Defence and Security, Ms. Botlhale Makgekgenene as the Chairperson and the Co – Chairperson, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Mr. Dickson Matembo; officially opened the Botswana- Zambia 23rd Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and security (JPCDS) meeting.

In attendance was the Charge D’Affaires, Mr. Brighton Litula; the Chairpersons and Co-Chairpersons of the Defence Committee, Public Security Committee and State Security Committee and Senior Government officials from the two (2) countries.

The Chairperson noted that one of Botswana pivotal frameworks is Vision 2036, and one of the pillars from the Vision 2036 is, “BOTSWANA WILL BE A PEACEFUL SOCIETY WITH LOW LEVELS OF CRIME” by 2036. She said the Vision declares that Botswana will pursue “peaceful coexistence, cordial relations with all countries in the world, promote trade and investment, assurance of territorial integrity, sovereignty, and a shared destiny with its neighbours, the region, and beyond”.

Furthermore, Ms Makgekgenene mentioned that, transnational organised crime in its various forms; threaten the successful execution of the Botswana and Zambia development frameworks and indeed the future of the two nations. She urged the Defence Forces and Security Agencies of the two countries to continue working together to address the security challenges.

In concluding her remarks, she highlighted that the Senior Officials will have to account to the Ministers and principals on the 29th of June 2022; in respect of the mandate which has been bestowed upon the Officials by people.

In response to the Chairperson’s opening remarks, the Co- Chairperson, Mr Matembo, expressed gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Botswana for remaining committed and the willingness to host the JPCDS.
He said “We have the obligation to ensure that cross border crimes, illegal immigration and poaching, are tackled. … Let us all see to it that we formulate strategies and commit ourselves to fully implement…..to enhance relations between our two (2) countries”.