Yesterday, Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, S.C, MP, held a constructive engagement with His Excellency Michael C. Gonzales, the United States Ambassador to Zambia. The meeting focused on nurturing the longstanding relationship between the two countries and addressing key administrative issues impacting bilateral cooperation.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s Principal Public Relations Officer, Eva Hatontola Chanda, the discussions underscored the mutual commitment to strengthening existing diplomatic and economic ties. Both parties expressed the importance of ongoing collaboration to promote shared goals of development, security, and regional stability.
A significant point of discussion was the United States government’s intention to consider adding Zambia to a list of 36 countries that could face visa bans or restrictions. This potential policy change sparked a candid dialogue about the implications for Zambian nationals and the broader bilateral relationship.
Minister Haimbe and Ambassador Gonzales agreed on the necessity of open communication channels to address concerns related to visa policies, emphasizing the importance of facilitating people-to-people connections and business exchanges between the two nations.
This engagement reflects Zambia’s proactive approach to diplomacy, ensuring that challenges are addressed through dialogue and partnership. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its dedication to working closely with international partners like the United States to safeguard Zambia’s interests while fostering cooperation.
As Zambia and the US continue to build on their historic partnership, this meeting highlights the shared commitment to navigating complex issues and advancing mutual development objectives.