Source: Zim, Belarus strengthen cooperation in security – herald
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
AS Zimbabwe and Belarus strengthen ties in sectors including peace, security and the social sector, Belarusian Minister of Defence Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin met Zimbabwean Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri in Harare yesterday.
The two ministers signed a number of agreements covering peace, security, and the social sector. Lieutenant General Khrenin was accompanied by his deputy, Major General Andrey Burdyko, who is responsible for logistics and heads the armed forces, along with other government officials.
Addressing the media soon after the meeting, Lieutenant General Khrenin said they held fruitful discussions on the need to develop and strengthen military cooperation between the two countries.
“Our conversation was highly productive, and I believe it will lead to fruitful negotiations. We have reached a mutual understanding on the need to develop and strengthen our military cooperation. As a result, we have signed an agreement that outlines our commitments and the next steps in our partnership,” stated the Minister.
Zimbabwe and Belarus had reached an agreement to develop and strengthen their military cooperation.
“We had a very good conversation. We have reached the understanding that our military cooperation needs to be developed and strengthened. According to the results of our negotiations, we have signed the agreement and we have defined further steps of our cooperation,” he said.
He also commended the Zimbabwe Government for the peaceful environment in the country.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Minister for the warm welcome and for hosting us on the beautiful land of Zimbabwe. I truly appreciate the gracious reception,” said Lieutenant General Khrenin.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri emphasised the enduring relationship between Zimbabwe and Belarus, which dated back to the liberation struggle.
“We are today riding on the position of our two Heads of States and Government, President Mnangagwa and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, whose countries are both under sanctions, who have committed themselves to develop the bilateral relations in four spheres of our economy, peace and security and also the social sector,” stated Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
“We are still under sanctions, but these challenges have made us stronger. We are committed to enhancing our defence and security cooperation, as it is essential to exchange insights on the threats we face,” she stated.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri added that they discussed challenges in acquiring necessary equipment and training in biological and chemical defence.
“We also addressed the challenges associated with acquiring necessary equipment and training in biological and chemical defence areas, which are crucial for national security,” she stated.
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