President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia and Burundi will expedite the opening of embassies in the respective countries.
Speaking when he held bilateral discussions with the visiting President of the Republic of Burundi, His Excellency Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, last evening, President Hichilema said once the emabassies are opened, they will facilitate economic trade and investment.
“To facilitate economic trade and investment, our two nations have agreed to expedite the opening of embassies in our respective countries. This will further strengthen our diplomatic ties and foster greater cooperation,” President Hichilema said.
During the discussions, the two nations signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) aimed at deepening our economic, bilateral, and people-to-people cooperation.
President Hichilema said Zambia is pleased to note that under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, the Republic of Burundi has made significant progress in emerging from its challenging past.
“This progress is evident in the country’s steady economic growth, as well as the peace and stability it currently enjoys,” the Head of State said.
President Hichilema said the two nations share a common geographical feature, the waters of Lake Tanganyika, which we utilize for trade and transportation.
“We are eager to leverage this maritime advantage to connect Burundi to the Lobito and Nacala Corridors, thereby enhancing trade in the SADC region.”
Meanwhile, President Hichilema said Zambia is deeply grateful to His Excellency Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, and the Government and people of Burundi, for their generous response to government’s declaration of a drought disaster and emergency.
“Their donation of 5,000 metric tonnes of relief food to Zambia is a testament to the strong bond between our nations,” President Hichilema said.
The UPND Party Manifesto is anchored on ensuring that bilateral trade, economic and technical cooperation become the hallmark of Zambia’s foreign policy.