Zambia and Rwanda are taking steps to further strengthen their longstanding bilateral relationship following high-level consultations between senior officials from the two countries. The discussions focused on practical areas of cooperation, including visa arrangements, diplomatic engagement and preparations for a future session of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation. The meeting brought together Zambia’s Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, and Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Zambia, His Excellency Emmanuel Bugingo. Their engagement reflects the continued commitment by both countries to expand cooperation in areas that directly benefit their citizens. It also highlights the importance of sustained diplomatic dialogue in advancing shared interests between Zambia and Rwanda.
Yesterday at Charter House, Ms. Gundersen received His Excellency Emmanuel Bugingo for bilateral consultations aimed at further strengthening the cordial and longstanding relations between Zambia and Rwanda. The meeting provided an opportunity for the two officials to discuss matters of mutual interest and assess opportunities for deeper cooperation. Such consultations play an important role in maintaining strong diplomatic ties because they allow countries to address practical issues while identifying new areas for partnership. Zambia and Rwanda have continued to engage through diplomatic and institutional channels as they seek to strengthen relations between their governments and peoples. The latest meeting therefore represents another step towards building closer cooperation and ensuring that existing commitments translate into meaningful outcomes.
During the meeting, the Permanent Secretary expressed appreciation for the goodwill message conveyed by His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, to Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, following his re-election as President of Zambia. The message was received as a gesture of goodwill and reflected the cordial diplomatic relations between the two countries. Exchanges of this nature remain an important part of relations between governments, particularly when they reflect mutual respect and continued engagement at the highest levels. The acknowledgement also provided an opportunity for Zambia to recognise Rwanda’s gesture while reinforcing the value both countries place on their relationship. Continued communication between political leaders and senior government officials can help maintain momentum in bilateral cooperation.
One of the key issues discussed was the range of Memoranda of Understanding aimed at deepening cooperation between Zambia and Rwanda. Among these is the proposed MoU on reciprocal visa exemption arrangements, which could have a direct impact on the movement of people between the two countries. The two sides emphasised the importance of bringing the proposed arrangement to fruition to facilitate travel for Rwandan nationals travelling to and from Zambia. Easier movement between the countries could support stronger people-to-people relations while creating additional opportunities for trade, tourism and business engagement. The proposed visa exemption arrangement therefore represents an important area of bilateral cooperation with potential benefits for citizens, businesses and the tourism sectors of both countries.
Improved travel arrangements can contribute to stronger economic and social connections between neighbouring African countries. When movement becomes easier, businesses can explore new markets, tourists can travel more conveniently and individuals can strengthen personal and professional relationships across borders. For Zambia and Rwanda, the proposed reciprocal visa exemption arrangement could help encourage greater interaction between their citizens and support increased commercial activity. It could also complement broader efforts to strengthen regional integration and cooperation across the African continent. The discussions between the two countries demonstrate an understanding that diplomatic relations can produce practical benefits when agreements are designed to make cross-border engagement easier.
The officials also exchanged views on the possibility of Rwanda hosting the 8th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation between Zambia and Rwanda in 2027. The proposed session would provide an important platform for both countries to assess the progress made in their bilateral relationship and examine areas where further cooperation is possible. Joint Permanent Commission meetings offer governments an opportunity to bring together different sectors and review agreements, commitments and areas of mutual interest. If Rwanda hosts the 8th Session in 2027, the meeting could provide fresh momentum to existing programmes while helping the two countries identify new opportunities for partnership. It would also strengthen the institutional mechanisms that support continued engagement between Zambia and Rwanda.
The proposed JPCC session could cover a broad range of issues connected to bilateral cooperation and provide an opportunity for officials to identify practical areas where collaboration can be expanded. Reviewing progress on existing agreements would allow both countries to determine which initiatives are producing results and where additional attention may be required. The session could also help identify emerging areas of cooperation that reflect the changing economic and development priorities of Zambia and Rwanda. Strong institutional mechanisms are important because they provide continuity in diplomatic relations and help governments maintain focus on agreed areas of cooperation. The proposed 2027 session is therefore viewed as more than a diplomatic gathering, as it could serve as a platform for strengthening the foundations of the relationship.
The discussions also demonstrate the importance of sustained engagement between African countries as governments seek to advance shared development priorities. Zambia and Rwanda have opportunities to cooperate across areas that can support economic growth, investment, tourism, trade and stronger connections between their citizens. Continued bilateral consultations allow both sides to address challenges through dialogue while identifying opportunities that can benefit both countries. The focus on practical agreements, such as reciprocal visa exemptions, shows how diplomatic discussions can address issues that affect ordinary people and businesses. At the same time, institutional mechanisms such as the JPCC can help ensure that cooperation remains structured and focused over the long term.
For Zambia and Rwanda, maintaining strong diplomatic relations requires more than formal engagements between government representatives. It also depends on converting discussions and agreements into programmes that deliver measurable benefits to citizens. The proposed visa exemption arrangement could strengthen movement and interaction, while the potential 2027 JPCC session could provide a broader opportunity to review and expand bilateral cooperation. Both initiatives demonstrate the willingness of the two countries to continue working together on matters of mutual interest. Effective implementation will be important in ensuring that the goodwill expressed during diplomatic consultations leads to tangible progress.
The latest bilateral consultations have reaffirmed Zambia and Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening their cordial and longstanding relationship. From the goodwill message exchanged between the countries’ presidents to discussions on visa exemptions and the proposed 2027 Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation session, the meeting addressed issues with both diplomatic and practical significance. Stronger movement of people, increased trade and tourism and improved institutional cooperation could create new opportunities for citizens of both countries. The proposed initiatives also demonstrate that Zambia and Rwanda remain focused on expanding their partnership while responding to shared interests and development priorities. As the two countries continue their engagement, sustained cooperation and effective implementation of agreed initiatives will remain central to building an even stronger relationship for the benefit of the peoples of Zambia and Rwanda.