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25 February 2008

The Minister of Defence Mr MGP Lekota signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Co-operation with the Malawian Defence Minister Aaron Sangala at the Defence Headquarters today, 25 February 2008.

The aim of the MoU is to enhance Defence co-operation through the exchange of experiences and knowledge between the two countries. South Africa and Malawi will co-operate in the field of Defence through pursuance of the following goals:

The development and formulation of procedures for military co-operation between the armed forces, promotion of the training of military personnel through exchange of training instructors and observers as well as exchange of military information on matters agreed to. Through the MoU, both countries will work towards strengthening the good and friendly relations by means of close defence co-operation and acknowledge and demonstrate their mutual commitment and development of their relationship.

This MoU confirms that the co-operation between the two countries will promote peace and stability. In furtherance to that, the two countries will soon launch the Republic South Africa or Malawi Joint Commission for Joint Co-operation that will create a platform for the continued engagements in political, economic, social and military issues.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Defence Minister Lekota said the agreement would affirm the importance of the relations between the two countries and their commitment in the development of the defence relationship. "I firmly believe that the establishment of the Republic of South Africa or Malawi Defence Committee is a critical confidence and security building mechanism and will play a vital role in maintaining and expanding our defence diplomatic relationship.

"I am certain that this will strengthen the good and friendly relations by means of close defence co-operation to enhance good defence working relations between our two countries. It will also demonstrate the mutual commitment and to form and develop defence relations between our two countries," he said.

Echoing Minister Lekota's sentiments, Malawian Defence Minister, Sangala stated that the MoU signified another milestone between the two governments and in particular the two Ministries of Defence. "I strongly believe that the MoU is indeed a means of consolidating the co-operation the two nations have enjoyed over the years," he said.

He added that the MoU would sought to achieve industrial co-operation in the field of defence related research and development and procurement of Defence equipment, co-operation in the exchange of knowledge and training in the field of United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU) peacekeeping operations and the exchange of military personnel at all levels to enhance sporting and cultural links between the armed Forces.

The Malawian delegation included the Malawian High Commissioner, Madam Agrina Mussa, Principal Secretary for Malawian National Defence, Mr P V Kachimera, Director of Personnel Malawi Defence Force, Brig. General MRD Chirwa and Director of Policy and Planning, Defence Ministry, Brigadier General RRK Chimowa amongst others.

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Issued by: Department of Defence
25 February 2008