The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu today met with the visiting Prime Minister of Belgium, Mr Steven Vanackere. The meeting focussed on security and military programmes of both countries in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Mozambique.
Both governments committed themselves to reviewing the cooperation agreements with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and working together with the government of the DRC under the United Nation to implement security reforms and support the establishment of a professional and credible military and other security agencies. Both countries are involved in the training of security officials and the military.
“Our commitment to peace keeping and security reform in the DRC is based on the principle that the DRC is a very strategic country for the development of Africa, and we are happy that the Belgium Government is also fully committed to working with us and the Government of the DRC to address all remaining challenges,” Minister Sisulu said.
The two governments also committed logistical and other support to the DRC during the coming elections.
“South Africa is the logistical hub of Africa, we have worked with Burundi, Sudan and Mozambique to assist them during elections, I am happy that Belgium is as committed as we are to assisting the people of the DRC to host successful elections, we are available to offer all logistical and technical support,” Sisulu said.
The Minister and the Prime Minister also commended the Defence Forces of both countries for their programmes in Burundi where they have been involved in training, integration of different rebel groups and peace keeping.
