Zim to train SA pilots

Cape Town - Zimbabwean Air Force instructors are to be dispatched to South Africa to train local air force pilots under a memorandum of understanding signed between the two governments on Thursday.

Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils said: "This initiative, involving seconding Zimbabwe's flying instructors to train SA Air Force pilots, aircraft technicians and support staff, follows a long tradition of training exchanges between our countries."

These included joint military exercises, peacekeeping training, defence management training, staff course visits, communication training, sporting activities and aviation safety.

Defence, security

Kasrils was addressing cabinet ministers from Zimbabwe and SA during the first meeting of a joint permanent commission on defence and security between the two countries.

In his welcoming address, he congratulated Zimbabwe on "great achievements" during its 25 years of independence.

He said: "Very heavy congratulations to these notable achievements at a time when Zimbabwe is facing challenges."

Zimbabwe's national security minister Dydimus Mutasa said good relations between SA and Zimbabwe were vital for the stability of the region.

He said: "The future of the region depends on the good relationship of our two countries. If there is conflict between our two countries, there will be no stable future in this region."

News24