Zambia and Indonesia have taken a major step in strengthening diplomatic and economic relations through the successful holding of their first Foreign Office Consultations in Lusaka. The meeting brought together senior government officials from both countries and marked an important milestone in the long-standing friendship between the two nations. It created a structured platform for dialogue focused on expanding cooperation across key sectors of mutual interest. The consultations also reflected a shared commitment to deepen political engagement and improve coordination on international and bilateral issues. This development signals a new phase in Zambia–Indonesia relations built on practical cooperation and long-term partnership goals.
The discussions focused on identifying opportunities to enhance collaboration in trade, investment, and development cooperation. Officials explored ways to establish a more predictable framework for future engagement between the two governments. The consultations were designed to move beyond diplomatic goodwill and translate relations into measurable economic outcomes. Both sides agreed on the importance of regular dialogue to sustain momentum and address emerging priorities. The meeting also highlighted the value of structured diplomacy in supporting national development agendas.
Speaking during the opening session, Ms Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, described the consultations as a landmark moment in bilateral relations. She emphasized that the engagement reflects a shared commitment to deepen dialogue and strengthen mutual understanding. Ms Gundersen noted that Zambia and Indonesia have maintained cordial relations grounded in mutual respect and shared principles of non-alignment. She also pointed to common aspirations for peace, stability, and sustainable development as key foundations of the partnership. Her remarks underscored the importance of turning diplomatic ties into practical cooperation that benefits both nations.
Ms Gundersen further highlighted Zambia’s interest in expanding cooperation in strategic economic sectors. These include agriculture, forestry, fisheries, livestock, mining, renewable energy, tourism, and cultural exchange. She stressed that these areas present strong opportunities for mutual growth and long-term investment. She also emphasized the importance of South–South cooperation as a framework for advancing shared development priorities among developing nations. The consultations provided an opportunity to align these priorities with practical implementation strategies.
On the Indonesian side, Mrs Dewi Justicia Meidiwaty, Acting Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the consultations as the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations. She highlighted the historical connection between the two countries, rooted in shared experiences of independence movements and solidarity under the Bandung Spirit. She noted that these values continue to shape modern diplomatic engagement between Indonesia and Zambia. Her remarks emphasized continuity between historical cooperation and current economic ambitions. She expressed confidence that the relationship can evolve into stronger economic collaboration.
Mrs Meidiwaty also noted the significance of the consultations as both countries approach 50 years of diplomatic relations. She reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to transforming political goodwill into tangible economic outcomes that benefit citizens. She identified sectors such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange as priority areas for expansion. She further highlighted that bilateral trade reached approximately USD 11 million in 2025, while stressing that there remains significant untapped potential. Her comments reflected a shared recognition of the need to scale up economic engagement.
Closing the consultations, Ms Gundersen expressed satisfaction with the constructive and open discussions held during the meeting. She noted that both sides identified practical areas for cooperation that can be pursued in the short and medium term. The discussions reinforced the importance of sustained engagement to ensure that agreed priorities are implemented effectively. Both governments committed to maintaining regular consultations to track progress and strengthen collaboration. The outcomes of the meeting reflected a shared determination to deepen ties across multiple sectors.
The inaugural Foreign Office Consultations between Zambia and Indonesia represent a renewed commitment to building a stronger and more dynamic partnership. The engagement reinforced long-standing diplomatic relations while opening new pathways for economic and development cooperation. It also demonstrated the value of structured dialogue in advancing shared goals and addressing global challenges. With continued collaboration, both countries are positioned to expand trade, investment, and cultural exchange in meaningful ways. The consultations concluded with a clear message of partnership focused on prosperity, stability, and mutual development.