Zambia Bids Farewell to Palestinian Envoy After Eight Years of Service
Zambia has bid farewell to His Excellency Dr Walid Hasan, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Zambia, who has concluded his eight-year tour of duty in the country.
Dr Hasan, who arrived in Zambia in March 2017, paid a farewell courtesy call on President Hakainde Hichilema at State House, marking the conclusion of his service. President Hichilema commended the outgoing envoy for his dedication and significant role in strengthening bilateral ties, wishing him success in the next chapter of his diplomatic career.
Zambia and the State of Palestine enjoy longstanding friendly relations, rooted in shared values and anchored on the historic foundation laid by Zambia’s founding President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, and the late Yasser Arafat, former President of the Palestinian Authority.
Zambia continues to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, and has consistently advocated for a peaceful and lasting resolution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, based on the Two-State Solution.
During his tenure, Dr Hasan served as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, where he was widely respected for his leadership and ability to unite the diplomatic community. He also worked to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, education and cultural exchange between Zambia and Palestine.
Earlier, Dr Hasan bade farewell to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, who praised him for his commitment and diligence in advancing the interests of both nations. The Minister reiterated Zambia’s consistent call for peace in the Middle East and highlighted the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, especially the plight of women and children.
In his remarks, Dr Hasan expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Zambia for their support and cooperation during his time in Lusaka. He described Zambia as a true friend of Palestine and reaffirmed the deep ties of solidarity that bind the two countries.
Zambia maintains strong relations with both Palestine and Israel, working with the two nations at bilateral and multilateral levels on matters of mutual interest. The Government has stressed its commitment to continue supporting international efforts aimed at achieving peace in the Middle East.
Dr Hasan departs Zambia leaving behind enduring friendships and a strengthened platform for bilateral cooperation. His service is remembered with respect and appreciation as Zambia continues to expand its diplomatic engagement globally in line with its foreign policy pillars of peace, security, stability and economic diplomacy.
