Zambia and Mozambique Strengthen Bilateral Ties Ahead of Presidential Visit
Zambia and Mozambique have reaffirmed their longstanding friendship and commitment to enhanced cooperation during a Ministerial Meeting held in Lusaka ahead of the Working Visit to Zambia by His Excellency Mr Daniel Francisco Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique.
The meeting was co-chaired by Honourable Mulambo Haimbe, S.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Zambia, and Her Excellency Maria Manuela Dos Santos Lucas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Mozambique.
In his opening remarks, Honourable Haimbe described the meeting as a moment of great promise, aimed at transforming shared aspirations into tangible outcomes for the benefit of both nations. He noted that the two countries share a long-standing friendship rooted in historical solidarity and highlighted the need to elevate this partnership through practical actions and focused implementation.
Among the key outcomes expected from President Chapo’s Working Visit is the signing of the One-Stop Border Post Agreement at Chanida–Cassacatiza, which is designed to enhance trade efficiency, reduce transit times, and improve border management. Honourable Haimbe said the agreement reflects the joint commitment of both governments to facilitate smoother cross-border trade and movement.
The Minister also called for the acceleration of strategic infrastructure projects such as the Beira–Ndola Petroleum Pipeline, electricity interconnector, and the development of the Beira, Nacala, and Macuse corridors, describing them as transformative instruments that could unlock the full potential of regional growth and integration.
He further emphasised the importance of people-to-people diplomacy, encouraging greater cooperation in cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges to strengthen ties between the citizens of both countries.
Reaffirming Zambia’s commitment to working closely with Mozambique within the frameworks of SADC and the African Union, Honourable Haimbe highlighted the shared goals of promoting peace, trade, regional integration, and climate resilience.
He urged both delegations to move “from intent to impact” by identifying clear, focused, and deliverable outcomes that would improve the lives of citizens in both nations.
In her address, Her Excellency Maria Manuela Dos Santos Lucas commended the depth of bilateral relations between Zambia and Mozambique, noting existing cooperation in areas such as transport, agriculture, and trade.
She expressed gratitude to Zambia for its role during Mozambique’s Golden Jubilee celebrations and reflected on the enduring friendship between the two countries, dating back to their shared liberation history.
Minister Lucas expressed confidence that the Ministerial Meeting would lay the groundwork for concrete deliverables ahead of the Official Talks between Presidents Hakainde Hichilema and Daniel Chapo scheduled for tomorrow.
