Masire who is in Zimbabwe for a working visit pledged to further strengthen the cordial relations enjoyed by the two countries' national defence forces. In an interview at the Zimbabwe National Army headquarters in Harare yesterday, Lieutenant General Masire said he was in the country for a week-long visit. "Well, basically I have just come to pay a courtesy call to the Commander and leadership of Zimbabwe and to cement the good relations," Masire said.He described as malicious and false claims that the two countries were at loggerheads.  "We have good cordial relations despite what the media say.

We meet very regularly in forums between our two defence forces and discuss strategies on how to combat illegal border crossing, poaching and cattle rustling. We are working together very well."Masire said the two forces had apprehended several poachers in the past three months.  "This shows that with co-operation a lot more can be achieved," said Masire.  He also praised the SADC Brigade. SADC formed a standby military brigade to foster regional integration and stability. The brigade is expected to ward off outside military interventions that have always been manipulated by powerful Western countries. ZDF Commander General Constantine Chiwenga welcomed Masire.

He said the two countries share a common history. Chiwenga said the joint permanent team at brigade level - One Brigade in Zimbabwe and Two Brigade in Botswana - and other security arms were dealing with challenges facing the two nations. "We have given the powers to commanders to deal with problems be it cattle rustling or poaching as Masire alluded to earlier."Equally on our part we are trying to share information. We don't have to wait for a problem," he said. Masire was honoured with a 15-gun salute before he inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Zimbabwe National Army and Air Force.During his visit, Masire is expected to meet President Robert Mugabe.Masire will tour Manyame Air Base, the New National Defence College and the Zimbabwe Military Academy in Gweru. He will also visit the Chisumbanje Ethanol Plant and Chiadzwa Diamond fields.

By Mmegi Online