DEFENCE Minister Geoffrey Mwamba has implored defence forces to remain committed to developing and fostering a solid foundation for peace and stability in the region.

Mr Mwamba said in Lusaka yesterday that defence forces had a critical role to play in laying a foundation for peace and stability which were essential pre-requisites for promotion of economic growth.

He was speaking at the opening of 16th Command and Staff Course at Defence Service Command Staff College attended by defence forces from Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique.

"Forces are a clear manifestation of our commitment to develop, foster and sustain cooperation among our defence forces. Without peace and stability, it is not possible for a country to develop," he said.

The course was intended to produce high calibre Grade II staff officers who were supposed to assume high levels of command and staff appointments.

The syllabus was tailored to international standards and compared favourably with any command and staff college worldwide.

Mr Mwamba said the college was the highest institution of military learning for defence forces.

"It is with a sense of pride and joy which I wish to put it on record that the college has so far successfully produced quality officers," he said.

Mr Mwamba said the college would continue to produce quality officers capable of meeting emerging security challenges posed by the global environment.

In pursuance of the challenging tasks, Mr Mwamba urged the defence forces to develop a deep understanding and create long lasting friendships among themselves.

Speaking earlier, Command and Staff College Commandant Brigadier-General Henry Nyundu commended Government for continued support and ensuring that programmes were running smoothly.

On the Zambian defence forces, he said participants were drawn from Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force and Zambia National Service.