President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to fostering equal and mutually beneficial partnerships in trade, investment, and development cooperation. He emphasised that while aid remains important, Zambia seeks partnerships anchored in economic cooperation, particularly in sectors linked to the country’s abundant future resources, including critical minerals.
The President made these remarks at State House in Lusaka during a ceremony where he received Letters of Credence from several new Ambassadors and High Commissioners. Among them were His Excellency Mr. Soenke Siemon of Germany, His Excellency Mr. Mikami Akiteru of Japan, Her Excellency Ms. Elizabeth Nyantakyi of Ghana, His Excellency Mr. Goms Menette of Namibia, and Her Excellency Ms. Maria del Rosario Mina Rojas of Colombia, with residence in Pretoria, South Africa.
President Hichilema highlighted Zambia’s strong historical and ongoing ties with Germany and praised the country’s enduring government-to-government and people-to-people relations with Japan. Speaking on relations with Ghana, he noted that cooperation between the two countries dates back to Zambia’s founding under Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and Ghana’s founding under Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, adding that these ties continue to grow under current leadership.
On regional cooperation, the President emphasised the close bond between Zambia and Namibia, describing the two nations as one people united by shared history, infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration. He also highlighted Zambia’s relationship with Colombia, which is rooted in historical connections and presents opportunities for deeper mutual benefit.
President Hichilema underscored the importance of increasing intra-African trade, particularly with newly accredited Ambassadors from Ghana and Namibia, stressing that dialogue and collaboration are key to addressing matters of mutual interest. He welcomed the diplomats, reaffirming Zambia’s dedication to building partnerships that drive economic growth, strengthen regional ties, and enhance global cooperation.