Zambia and Israel Deepen Ties with Opening of Israeli Embassy in Lusaka
Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, S.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, attended the official opening of the Resident Embassy of the State of Israel in Lusaka today. The ceremony was led by His Excellency Mr. Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The event was attended by senior Zambian officials, including Hon. Ambrose L. Lufuma, M.P., Minister of Defence, and Hon. Felix Mutati, M.P., Minister of Technology and Science. Representing Israel were Mrs. Sharon Bar-Li, Deputy Director General and Head of the Africa Division, and Her Excellency Ms. Ofra Farhi, Ambassador of Israel to Zambia, among other officials.
In his remarks, Minister Haimbe acknowledged the longstanding friendship between Zambia and Israel, based on mutual respect and shared aspirations for economic growth. He highlighted that the establishment of a resident diplomatic mission in Lusaka demonstrates the strengthening of bilateral relations and paves the way for expanded collaboration across multiple sectors.
“The opening of this Embassy marks a new chapter in our relations, consolidating the General Framework Agreement of Cooperation signed during President Hakainde Hichilema’s state visit to Israel in 2023,” Minister Haimbe said. He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to exploring new areas of cooperation for mutual benefit.
Minister Sa’ar acknowledged the historic ties between the two countries, dating back to Zambia’s independence in 1964 and the leadership of the country’s first President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda.
He emphasised Israel’s resilience and commitment to sharing its expertise and successes with Zambia. The new embassy, he noted, will strengthen bilateral partnerships and support Israel’s strategic engagement with Africa in 2025.
The opening of the Israeli Embassy in Lusaka marks a milestone in Zambia-Israel relations, reinforcing diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.
