Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe and Angola have strengthened their defence and security cooperation through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will promote collaboration in liberation war heritage preservation, de-mining and Portuguese language training.
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said the agreement would broaden the longstanding relationship between the two countries, and create opportunities for closer cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
“The MoU will significantly strengthen defence and security cooperation between Zimbabwe and Angola, with its impact extending to the region, the African continent and beyond,” she said.
Muchinguri-Kashiri said Zimbabwe was particularly interested in expanding access to Portuguese language training in Angola and working jointly to preserve sites associated with the liberation struggle.
“Zimbabwe looks forward to benefiting from Portuguese language training opportunities in the Republic of Angola. We also seek to deepen our cooperation in the construction and preservation of liberation war shrines in Angola,” she said.
She said the agreement would further consolidate bilateral relations and provide a framework for enhanced collaboration at both regional and continental levels.
Muchinguri-Kashiri highlighted the historical support Angola provided to Zimbabwe’s liberation movement following its independence in 1975, including the establishment of training bases for ZIPRA combatants.
“Angola made significant economic sacrifices and lost many lives in support of the liberation struggle. Zimbabwe therefore remains deeply indebted to the people and Government of Angola for that solidarity,” she said.
She added that the two countries had shared the hardships of the struggle for independence and self-determination against the Rhodesian settler regime and apartheid South Africa.
“Our shared determination to restore our dignity, sovereignty and right to self-determination brought our two countries together as we endured sustained attacks by the Rhodesian settler regime and the apartheid government of South Africa,” she said.
The common experiences of the liberation struggle subsequently provided the foundation for strong bilateral relations following Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980.
Over the years, cooperation between the two countries has expanded beyond defence and security to include trade, agriculture and other sectors. Zimbabwe and Angola also collaborate through regional and multilateral institutions, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The two countries have further worked together on regional security initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including through the SADC mission known as Operation Restore Sovereign Legitimacy.
Muchinguri-Kashiri also expressed appreciation to Angola for its support during Zimbabwe’s successful campaign for election to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member for the 2027–2028 term.
Angolan Defence Minister General (Retd) Lucio Goncalves Amaral, meanwhile, commended Zimbabwe for its contribution to regional peace and stability.
The latest agreement is expected to build on the longstanding ties between Zimbabwe and Angola while providing new avenues for practical cooperation in defence, security, heritage preservation and skills development.
New Ziana
