Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has begun his remarks at the Zimbabwe-Zambia Bi-National Commission meeting, acknowledging President Emmerson Mnangagwa and thanking him for the warm welcome.
In his speech, President Hichilema noted that in Zambia, Zimbabwe is affectionately referred to as “across the river,” reflecting the close ties between the two countries.
He revealed that he frequently visited Zimbabwe on business before becoming President, saying, “It is always good to visit Harare.”
The Zambian President described the upgrade of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) to a Bi-National Commission (BNC) as a remarkable development, highlighting the long-standing relationship between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“Zimbabwe and Zambia have been together pre-independence. Our shared identity, solidarity, and deep bonds are just beginning to grow stronger and stronger,” he said.
President Hichilema emphasised the need to deepen relations between Harare and Lusaka, stating, “What we want to see now is to do many things that are yet to be done in developing our assets.”
He announced that a Zambian team focused on mining is in Zimbabwe to tap into the country’s lithium mining expertise, saying, “I think you are ahead on the lithium side.”
On trade, President Hichilema called for the removal of tariffs between the two countries to enhance trade and increase investments from one country to the other.
President Hichilema conveyed Zambia’s solidarity with Zimbabwe in calling for the unequivocal removal of Western-imposed unilateral coercive measures.
“I want to state clearly that Zambia reaffirms its support for the total lifting of sanctions on Zimbabwe,” he said.
