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Columbus Mabika

Herald Reporter

Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri yesterday met an Angolan Armed Forces delegation that is in the country for the Southern Africa Liberation Day commemorations set for 23 March 2023.

The Angolan delegation is being led by Lieutenant General Remigio Do Espirinto Santo, who delivered a special message to the Minister from her Angolan counterpart.

SADC countries set aside 23 March each year to commemorate the Southern Africa Liberation Day.

The commemorations coincide with the 35th anniversary of the Cuito Cuavanale Battle which was a turning point in Southern African history.

In her remarks, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the two countries enjoyed cordial relations which dates back to decades ago.

“Zimbabwe and Angola enjoy excellent political relations dating back to the time of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle as members of the Frontline States and now as members of SADC,” she said.

She said Angola played a crucial role the independence of a number of countries of by providing rear bases for liberation movements.

On the economic front, she bemoaned low trade between the two countries despite strong bilateral cooperation in diplomacy, defence and security. After meeting the Angolan delegation, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri met Irish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ms Fionnuala Gilseman who paid her a courtesy call.

The Minister and the Ambassador also discussed various bilateral issues of mutual interest that include the country’s demining programme, the global defence and security environment and the important role of women in defence and security issues.

Ambassador Gilseman said her Government will continue support to the Zimbabwe’s demining programme and stressed the need to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries.

The Irish Government is one of the key sponsors of HALO Trust, a humanitarian demining organisation operating in the country.