Zambia Accredits South Africa's New Defence Advisor, Proposes Deeper Military Cooperation

The Ministry of Defence has accredited South Africa's newly appointed Defence Advisor to Zambia, Colonel Ditebogo Phyllia Nare, with Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu signing the accreditation certificate in Lusaka on 28 August.

During the Accreditation Courtesy Call, Haamaundu urged Col Nare to continue working towards strengthening the partnership between the Zambia Defence Force and the South African Defence Force, saying the two countries' militaries have been collaborating well in training exchanges, staff college participation, defence diplomacy and regional security matters. "Our officers' attendance at South African defence institutions has contributed significantly to professionalisation, interoperability and the development of shared doctrine and perspectives on regional threats," he said.

Haamaundu also acknowledged existing collaboration in peace support operations, counter-terrorism information exchange and regional security consultations with multilateral bodies, and outlined where Zambia wants that cooperation to grow. "Zambia proposes deepening cooperation in the following priority areas: Training and Professional Military Education, expand Officer and Non Commissioned Officer Exchange Programmes, increase training slots at South African Defence Institutions for Zambian personnel and explore short courses in logistics and peace operations," he said.

Colonel Nare said she would work towards enhancing relations between the two countries' defence forces.