Haimbe in London for Commonwealth Talks on Democracy, Security and Investment
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe is in London to attend key ministerial meetings of the Commonwealth aimed at strengthening cooperation among member states.
The meetings include the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) and the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), which begin this week in the United Kingdom.
Zambia currently serves as Vice-Chair of CMAG, the Commonwealth’s mechanism mandated to uphold fundamental political values such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Upon arrival in London, Mr Haimbe held a bilateral meeting with the United Kingdom’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State responsible for the Commonwealth, Chris Elmore, at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Discussions focused on areas of mutual interest including multilateral cooperation, peace and security, reforms within the Commonwealth, democratic governance and investment opportunities. The two officials also highlighted Zambia’s investment potential and the business-friendly environment promoted by the current administration.
Mr Haimbe also held talks with Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations of Botswana, ahead of the CMAG meeting at the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The meeting reviewed developments at the Kazungula Border Post, following directives by President Hakainde Hichilema and Botswana President Duma Boko to ensure the facility begins 24-hour operations by April this year.
The decision follows measures implemented by both countries to ease congestion at the border, including the suspension of lunch breaks, which reduced truck queues from about seven kilometres to three kilometres.
The two ministers noted increased activity at the border facility and reaffirmed the importance of improving cross-border trade and regional connectivity.
The meetings are expected to provide a platform for member states to deliberate on governance, cooperation and development priorities across the Commonwealth.
