Zambia and Greece have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on providing higher military education to Zambian Military students in Greece, a significant milestone in defence cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Defence Hon. Ambrose Lufuma M.P and Minister of National Defence of Greece Nikos Dendiaswelco signed on behalf of the two countries, in Greece on Tuesday, 12th November 2024.
The MoU is part of the general framework of strengthening Greece’s relations with other African countries to promote defence diplomacy.
Hon. Lufuma indicated that the new partnership with Greece would enable the Defence Forces in Zambia, which have embarked on modernisation to open up opportunities for joint training exercises and exchange programmes in higher learning defence institutions.
He added that the Zambian Defence Forces with a rich history dating back to her independence has played a key role in regional peace and conflict resolution.”This new partnership with Greece will enhance the Defence Forces of the Republic of Zambia’s capabilities and expertise in not only peace and conflict resolution but also, the ability to deal with contemporary defence and security dynamics,” the Minister said.
And Mr. Dendiaswelco announced that the Ministry of Defence in Greece was set to proceed with a major reform in the country’s 2030 agenda and would be happy and willing to share with Zambia.
Mr. Dendiaswelco said Greece continues to follow Zambia’s transformation agenda with great interest and acknowledged the progress made under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema in key areas such as the restoration of the rule of law, the fight against corruption, promotion of human rights and the abolition of the death penalty.
Mr. Dendiaswelco expressed gratitude for Zambia’s support for Greece in the election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2025-2026.
Hon. Lufuma is in Greece, accompanied by Defence Attache at the Zambian Embassy in Rome, Brigadier General Newton Chitambo, undertaking visits to military schools in Athens and Thessaloniki.