Zambia and Seychelles Forge Stronger Ties to Boost Sustainable Tourism in Africa
The Minister of Tourism, Honourable Rodney M. Sikumba, MP, held a high-level bilateral meeting with Her Excellency Amanda Bernstein, Minister of Tourism and Culture of the Republic of Seychelles, on the sidelines of the 26th Session of the United Nations World Tourism Assembly in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Honourable Sikumba, who also serves as Chair of the United Nations Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF), reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Zambia and Seychelles, describing them as a model of African solidarity and cooperation.
He noted that these relations continue to flourish under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, and His Excellency Dr Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles.
Minister Sikumba extended warm congratulations to the Government and people of Seychelles on the successful conclusion of their recent national elections, and to Her Excellency Bernstein on her appointment as Minister of Tourism and Culture.
He further commended Seychelles for its continued collaboration with Zambia, particularly through the recruitment of Zambian professionals across various sectors, a testament to the mutual trust and shared development values that unite the two nations.
The two Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in tourism, culture, and related areas of mutual interest. They emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration, capacity building, and coordinated policy measures to promote sustainable tourism development, while strengthening Africa’s voice on the global tourism stage.
In conclusion, both Ministers expressed optimism that the enduring partnership between Zambia and Seychelles will continue to foster inclusive, resilient, and sustainable tourism growth, in line with the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the objectives of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
