Luanda: Angola and Botswana have reaffirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation in the defence sector, with emphasis on military training, joint exercises, exchanges, strategic dialogue, the sharing of operational experience, and the development of defence industries. The position was expressed on Thursday in Luanda by the Minister of National Defence, Former Combatants and Veterans of the Homeland, Lºcio do Amaral, during a meeting with Botswana's Minister of State for Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa, who is on an official visit to Angola.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement on 8 September marks a transition from political commitment to concrete and effective results, reflecting the governments' determination to consolidate a lasting partnership. Lºcio do Amaral emphasized the need for immediate implementation of the agreement, with all necessary steps for its entry into force to be completed promptly. The collaboration aims to enhance higher education, military training, joint exercises, exchange programmes, strategic dialogue, and operational experience sharing between the two nations.
The cooperation is intended to extend to military health, engineering, cartography, hydrography, and collaboration between military educational institutions. Do Amaral also highlighted the potential for cooperation in developing defence industries and support services, focusing on equipment maintenance, logistics, technical training, and defence technology. This partnership is expected to bolster national security, human resource development, technology transfer, and economic growth.
Despite not sharing a common land border, the geographical reality of Southern Africa creates effective interdependence between Angola and Botswana. Do Amaral advocated for greater coordination between security agencies through information sharing, coordinated investigations, and joint operational planning, in light of increasing transnational criminal activities. The operationalisation of the Lobito Corridor and strengthened regional links further necessitate such cooperation. Priority areas for collaboration include combating transnational organised crime, terrorism, cybersecurity threats, human and drug trafficking, illicit trade, and illegal resource exploitation.
During the bilateral meeting, Botswana's Minister of State, Moeti Mohwasa, highlighted the Defence Cooperation Agreement as a milestone in deepening bilateral relations. Acknowledging that cooperation is in its early stages, Mohwasa noted the importance of operationalising the Joint Defence Committee. Botswana recognizes Angola's experience in the defence sector, given its history of armed conflict, and anticipates learning significantly from Angola's expertise.
Addressing the language barrier between the two countries, with English as Botswana's official language and Portuguese as Angola's, a language exchange programme is planned. This initiative will involve Botswana military personnel learning Portuguese in Angola and Angolan military personnel receiving English-language training in Botswana. Additionally, cooperation in the military industry is seen as a potential area for joint development, which could enhance both countries' capabilities and create employment opportunities.
In conclusion, diplomatic relations between Angola and Botswana, established in 1976, continue to be marked by cooperation and solidarity. The recent Defence Cooperation Agreement signifies a commitment to deepening these ties and addressing shared security challenges.
Source: Angola Press News Agency
