Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace, security and political cooperation after participating in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Senior Officials’ Meeting held in Salima, Malawi, ahead of the 28th Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
In a statement, yesterday, the Ministry said the meeting forms part of the preparatory processes for the 28th Ministerial Committee of the Organ, which is scheduled for July 16 and 17, 2026.
“Yesterday, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, led the Zimbabwean delegation at the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), held in Salima, Republic of Malawi, ahead of the 28th Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry noted that the Senior Officials’ Meeting brought together senior government and security officials from ministries responsible for foreign affairs and defence from across SADC Member States to deliberate on matters of regional importance.
“The meeting brought together senior government and security officials from ministries responsible for foreign affairs and defence across SADC Member States to review key regional peace and security issues, as well as to finalise recommendations and strategic priorities for consideration by Ministers,” said the Ministry.
According to the Ministry, the discussions focused on strengthening mechanisms for maintaining peace, political stability and collective security within the Southern African region.
“The meeting considered a range of issues relating to regional peace, security and stability, in line with the mandate of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, which serves as a key mechanism for promoting peace, political cooperation and collective security across the region,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry further highlighted that the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation remains instrumental in fostering dialogue and collaboration among Member States on matters affecting regional stability and sustainable development.
Zimbabwe’s participation in the meeting underscores the country’s continued commitment to advancing the objectives of SADC and contributing to collective efforts aimed at addressing emerging security challenges and promoting peaceful coexistence within the region.
The recommendations and strategic priorities adopted by Senior Officials are expected to guide deliberations during the Ministerial Committee of the Organ meeting, where Ministers from Member States will consider measures to strengthen regional cooperation in politics, defence and security.
