PURSUANT to the decision of the Summit, held in Gaborone, Botswana on 28 June 1996 and directives issued subsequent thereto: IN COMPLIANCE with the provisions of Article 2 (2)(h) of the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation (hereinafter referred to as “the Protocol”); REAFFIRMING our commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the Protocol Establishing the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the SADC Treaty; DESIROUS to live at peace with all peoples and Governments ACKNOWLEDGING our commitment to the SADC Treaty and Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation; RECOGNISING the sovereign equality of all States and their intention to strengthen the bonds that exist amongst them on the basis of respect for their independence and non-interference in their internal affairs; SEEKING to promote peace, security, stability and well being among our peoples; DETERMINED to defend and safeguard the freedom of our peoples and their civilisation, as well as their individual liberties and the rule of law; CONVINCED that close cooperation in matters of defence and security will be to the mutual benefit of our peoples; HAVING RESOLVED to unite our efforts towards collective selfdefence and the preservation of peace and stability. HEREBY AGREE to conclude this Mutual Defence Pact (hereinafter referred to as “the Pact”). 73