Zambia reaffirms regional cooperation at Great Lakes (ICGLR) coordinators' meeting in Lusaka

Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation as Lusaka hosts the 22nd Ordinary Meeting of National Coordinators of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), at Hotel InterContinental Lusaka. Margaret Miyoba, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, told delegates that the region's problems cannot be solved by any one country acting alone. Working together, she said, "requires sustained political commitment, mutual trust, coordinated action and a shared sense of responsibility." She described the ICGLR as an important framework for joint action on complex problems, and said that although member states face different circumstances, they share an interest in a region marked by peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity. The meeting was opened by Floribert Anzuluni Isiloketshi, the Democratic Republic of Congo's Minister of Regional Integration and Chairperson of the ICGLR Regional Inter-Ministerial Committee. He said the biggest challenge facing the body is the gap between the commitments member states sign up to and the policies they actually carry out, and that member states need to strengthen their commitment. ICGLR Executive Secretary Dr Mubita Luwabelwa pointed to the body's work on the spread of weapons, refugee movements and informal resource networks, and stressed that peace and security depend on member states working together. What is on the agenda National coordinators are the link between each government and the ICGLR Secretariat, making sure regional decisions are passed on and carried out at home. Ms Miyoba said the agenda includes member states' reports on implementing the ICGLR Pact, a report from finance experts, and talks on restructuring the organisation. Delegates will also review earlier decisions of the Regional Inter-Ministerial Committee and prepare the agendas for the committee's next meeting and for an Extraordinary Summit. Why it matters Zambia borders s