Zambia and Angola have committed to curb transnational crimes along their shared border lines.

This was disclosed at the opening of the 34th Session of the Angola-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security being held in Luanda, Angola from 1st to 6th May 2026.

The Commission officially opened this morning at the Epic Sana Hotel in Luanda where the Zambian Ambassador to Angola, Elias Munshya led the Zambian delegation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Munshya highlighted the threat of terrorism in the region as a cause of concern, calling on delegates to the commission to come up with strategies of ending the scourge.

Dr Munshya warned that trafficking, illegal migration, poaching as well as drug trafficking must be fought at all costs.

He reiterated Zambia’s continued cooperation with Angola to promote peace, unity and enhanced relations with Angola.

Dr Munshya urged that through the 34th Session of the Angola-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security meeting, the two countries must come up with exchange visits, sign agreements and programmes which will enhance more cooperation by the Defence and Security institutions in the two countries.

Earlier in his remarks, Angola’s State Secretary for Defence Policy, Admiral Jose Maria De Lima (Rtd) said the security challenges which the two countries face must be tackled in a well-coordinated manner.

Admiral De Lima stated the need for intensified coordination in fighting transnational crimes on the common border.

He said the 34th Session of the Angola-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security offers an opportunity for the two countries to assess the status of commitments made during the previous session of the Commission in 2022.

Admiral De Lima said Angola is committed to work together with Zambia on Defence and Security matters at the highest level possible.

This is according to a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka by the Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala.