Zambia, Sweden Strengthen Diplomatic Ties with Focus on Economic Growth and Climate Resilience
Zambia’s Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, alongside Mrs. Subeta K. Mutelo from the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise, have embarked on a high-level visit to Stockholm, Sweden.
Hosted by Zambia’s Ambassador to Sweden, Her Excellency Ms. Gladys Neven Lundwe, the delegation is set to engage with Swedish officials and the private sector in an effort to reinforce the nations’ 60-year diplomatic relationship, a milestone to be celebrated in 2025.
During their stay, the Zambian representatives will engage with Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on a broad spectrum of bilateral and multilateral issues, prioritizing sustainable development, economic resilience, and cultural exchange.
With Zambia’s commitment to Economic Diplomacy, the discussions emphasize Sweden’s role in supporting Zambia’s economic and climate resilience goals. This cooperation follows recent high-level diplomatic exchanges, including a visit from Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Mr. Johan Forssell, to Zambia earlier this year.
Beyond governmental meetings, Ms. Gundersen and Mrs. Mutelo are set to meet with leaders from the International Council of Swedish Industry, the Norrsken Foundation, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
These sessions aim to strengthen private sector and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) development, aligning with Zambia’s push for sustainable economic growth. The delegation’s itinerary also includes the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, underlining Zambia’s commitment to fostering democratic institutions.
This visit also underscores the implementation of the 2024-2028 bilateral cooperation strategy, in which Sweden is a crucial partner, especially in sectors such as mining, health, energy, and technology. This strategy includes growing Swedish investment in Zambia, especially as both countries work to build climate resilience and bolster private sector growth.
