Zambia and Sweden Strengthen Longstanding Partnership
Zambia and Sweden reaffirmed their strong partnership during a recent meeting in Lusaka between their respective Foreign Affairs Ministers.
Hon. Mulambo Haimbe of Zambia and His Excellency Mr. Johan Forssell of Sweden highlighted the long-standing ties between the two countries, dating back to 1965. They emphasized their shared values and interests that have formed the foundation for ongoing cooperation.
The Zambian Minister expressed gratitude for Sweden’s continued support, particularly the pledge of US$230 million in development cooperation funds allocated for the period 2024 to 2028.
He assured Mr. Forssell that Zambia is actively working to create a stable and secure environment for its citizens and businesses to thrive.
Hon. Haimbe specifically mentioned Zambia’s efforts to promote good governance, citing the recent launch of the Lusaka International Centre for Arbitration.
This initiative aims to provide a platform for efficient dispute resolution, fostering a more attractive climate for investment and partnerships.
He also highlighted Zambia’s collaboration with Sweden in the UN’s Global Digitalization Compact initiative.
Sweden’s Foreign Minister reciprocated the warm sentiments and acknowledged the enduring friendship between the two nations.
He outlined a new Swedish Development Cooperation Strategy that seeks to explore connections between development and foreign trade.
This strategy aims to encourage Swedish investment in Zambia while also creating opportunities for Zambian businesses to invest in Sweden.
Both ministers identified promising areas for future collaboration, including sustainable mining practices, advancements in the energy sector, a focus on green development initiatives, and advancements in digitalization.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment from both Zambia and Sweden to further solidify their bilateral relations, ensuring mutual benefits for both countries.
