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Freeman Razemba : Senior Reporter

Zimbabwe and Angola’s defence forces will continue exchanging notes in order to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, visiting Chief of Staff of the Angolan Armed Forces General Geraldo Sachipengo Nunda, said yesterday. In an interview, Gen Nunda said the visit was also meant to reassure the people from both countries that their relationship dates back to the time of the liberation struggle.“My visit to Zimbabwe is to strengthen the relations between the two countries, Zimbabwe and Angola, as well as the two national Defence Forces. We want to reaffirm to our people that Zimbabwe and Angola are brotherly nations,” he said.

Gen Nunda and his delegation arrived in the country over the weekend and the visit was aimed at enabling the two Defence Forces to strengthen bilateral ties.

He visited the Zimbabwe National Army headquarters in Harare yesterday where he first had a Joint Guard of Honour with Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Constantino Guveya Chiwenga.

He later paid a courtesy call at the ZDF offices where a presentation was made on the organisation and roles of the Ministry of Defence.

The presentation was also attended by Commander ZNA Lieutenant General Philip Valerio Sibanda, Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Marshal Perence Shiri, Major-Generals Douglas Nyikayaramba and Engelbrecht Rugeje, among other senior ZDF officers.

According to his itinerary, Gen Nunda is expected to visit the National Defence College, Zimbabwe Defence Industry, Zimbabwe Military Academy and the National Heroes Acre, among others areas.

In April last year, a 10-member delegation from the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), met President Mugabe at his Munhumutapa offices to share notes on the two countries’ experiences since the attainment of independence.

The delegation was led by MPLA secretary-general Cde Juliao Mateus Paulo.

Speaking to journalists after a closed door meeting with President Mugabe, Cde Paulo said their discussions centred on the two countries’ liberation struggles and possible ways of strengthening relations between Zanu-PF and the MPLA.