BuaNews (Tshwane)
30 November 2008
Pretoria — South Africa and Mozambique on Friday agreed to jointly fight organised crime and crimes directed at women and children.
This emerged during a two-day Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security conference which ended on Friday.
The two countries also agreed that areas which should be strengthened include training and cross border crime combating prevention.
The two also agreed on continued interaction in ensuring security, stability and the economic prosperity for both countries.
The South African delegation was led by Defence Minister Charles Nqakula and Ministers of Intelligence, Dr Siyabonga Cwele, Correctional Services, Deputy Minister Loretta Jacobus, and other senior government officials.
The Mozambican delegate was led by the Minister of National Defence, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, and included the Deputy Minister of Interior, Honourable José Mandra and other senior government officials.
The Commission received reports and discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to defence, public and state security.
One of the reports received related to the recent municipality elections held in Mozambique recently which took place under orderly conditions that were free and fair. The elections were an indication of maturity of democracy in Mozambique and an illustration of development of patriotism in the country.
Regarding military to military cooperation, the Commission highlighted the importance of joint cooperation in all matters that relate to the integrity and sovereignty of both countries.
The Commission also noted with satisfaction the progress made in preparation for the 2009 Confederation Cup and the 2010 World Cup to be hosted in South Africa.
The Commission expressed hope that the ongoing efforts to help stabilise the political situation in Zimbabwe would succeed. It called on all parties to respect the agreements that have been signed and implement the relevant recommendations.
On matters relating to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Commission commended all efforts, including the decisions that were taken recently by leaders of the Great Lakes Region and SADC, which are designed to address conflict in that country and the unnecessary spilling of human blood, to bring about lasting peace, security and stability.
The Commission expressed concern at the high levels of HIV and AIDS amongst members of the defence and security services of both countries and resolved to get both governments to improve all programs that relate to that challenge.
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