President Robert Mugabe applauded the Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF) on Tuesday for remaining loyal and dedicated to maintaining peace despite the challenges the country is facing, the official New Ziana reported.
Addressing people attending the Zimbabwe Defense Forces celebrations at Rufaro Stadium, the president said the government continued to be responsive to the needs of the forces.
"I would like to thank the defense and security forces for remaining loyal and dedicated to the maintenance of peace and tranquillity of the country in these trying times," he said.
He said that security and the welfare of the country and its citizens remained a top priority in government programs for development.
The ZDF had since its formation grown into a force to reckon with "that has defended the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this country."
The force, he said, was displaying a degree of professionalism and excellence on the international front in all peace keeping missions of the United Nations.
More than 19 members of the ZDF are in United Nations missions in countries including Sudan, Cote d'Ivore, Liberia and Burundi. The president said the ZDF continued to contribute to regional and continental peace through training its members.
In spite of the hurdles it was facing, he said, government was aware of the people's aspirations to attain economic independence.
Mugabe assured investors that security forces would guarantee the safety of their capital, saying that the ZDF played an important social role in peace times and has contributed in various aspects for the economic benefit of the country.
Activities of the forces that he cited include clearing of land mines, assisting companies such as the Grain Marketing Board in grain and farming inputs distribution.
The ZDF is comprised of the Zimbabwe National Army, the Air Force of Zimbabwe, the Police and the Prisons Services.
Source: Xinhua
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