Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
ZAMBIAN President Hakainde Hichilema is scheduled to arrive in the country tomorrow for his maiden State Visit, which will also see him co-chairing the inaugural session of the Zambia-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission with his counterpart, President Mnangagwa.
This was announced yesterday by Zambian Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe.
In a statement, Mr Haimbe said President Hichilema’s State visit highlighted the enduring bond of friendship, shared history and mutual respect that united Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to inform the nation that Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, will undertake a State Visit to the Republic of Zimbabwe on November 14, 2025, at the invitation of His Excellency Dr Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
“The two sister nations are bound by geography, culture and shared assets such as the Kariba Dam, Victoria Falls and critical transport infrastructure that are central to the socio-economic progress of both countries,” he said.
On the BNC, which upgrades the existing Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) to a higher framework of strategic engagement, Mr Haimbe said its establishment is in tandem with the two Presidents’ shared vision of enhanced bilateral cooperation between Harare and Lusaka.
The BNC will also usher in accelerated implementation of joint infrastructure projects and deepened economic integration between the two countries.
It will be preceded by a meeting of senior officials held yesterday and the ministerial meeting to be held today, which will lay the groundwork for the agreements to be considered during the inaugural BNC.
“Through the BNC, Zambia and Zimbabwe aim to enhance collaboration in key sectors, including trade, energy and transport,” said Mr Haimbe.
“Zambia remains firmly committed to regional cooperation, economic diplomacy and infrastructure development as catalysts for inclusive growth and prosperity within the Southern African region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reiterates its commitment to advancing Zambia’s bilateral and regional relations in line with the country’s Foreign Policy objectives and the vision of President Hichilema to promote peace, stability and economic transformation through diplomacy.”
The Bi-National Commission is aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, infrastructure and regional developments.
The BNC, which began yesterday in Harare with a meeting of senior officials from the two countries, underscores the growing partnership between Zimbabwe and Zambia as both nations seek to deepen economic and diplomatic ties.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Director Africa and Asia Pacific Thobile Dube, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Permanent Secretary Ambassador Albert Chimbindi said the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), that was held in September, served as a reaffirmation of historic, friendly and excellent ties that have been forged through shared struggles and triumphs between the two countries.
“The working relationship between Zim-Trade and its Zambian counterpart, Zambian Development Agency (ZDA), is also commendable, as illustrated by the visit by Zim-Trade to Zambia to purchase land for the construction of a warehouse in Kasumbalesa.
“This project will allow both countries to increase trade in their local products, particularly of fast-moving consumer goods and agricultural equipment, among others,” said Ambassador Chimbindi.
Zambian Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Trade, Lilian Saile Bwalya, said the BNC seeks to harness opportunities in trade facilitation, transport and infrastructure development, energy generation, peace and security, among others.
“I wish to commend the technical team from both countries for facilitating this important meeting. Let us build from this momentum,” she said.
Bongani Ndlovu