President Hichilema Embarks on Important Visit to Saudi Arabia for the 1st Saudi-Africa Summit
President Hakainde Hichilema of the Republic of Zambia is set to undertake a significant journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from November 9th to 11th, 2023.
This visit comes as a result of a prestigious invitation extended by His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
President Hichilema’s mission is to participate in the inaugural Saudi-Africa Summit, with the theme “A Promising Partnership.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Zambia announced the President’s participation in this vital event, which aims to strengthen the relations between Africa and Saudi Arabia.
Key discussions at the summit will encompass crucial topics such as trade and investment, food security, energy, global peace and security, migration, United Nations reform, financing capital, and climate change, among others.
President Hichilema is expected to address the summit on these key thematic areas, emphasizing Zambia’s commitment to cooperation and development.
Before the official commencement of the summit, Foreign Ministers from participating countries will convene to discuss and prepare for the substantive discussions.
Furthermore, on the sidelines of the summit, President Hichilema is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
These discussions are aimed at enhancing cooperation and strengthening ties between Zambia and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has been a long-standing strategic bilateral partner for Zambia, and this summit provides an essential platform for reinforcing and expanding these existing relations.
Zambia is eager to attract inward investment across various sectors and diversify its trade relations by exploring new markets for its goods. President Hichilema’s high-level engagements in Saudi Arabia are expected to catalyze practical measures and renew the commitment to bolster economic cooperation.
This, in turn, will pave the way for the implementation of collaborative projects in strategic domains, promising tangible benefits for the people of Zambia.
Following the summit and his bilateral discussions, President Hichilema will return to Zambia to continue his duties in the Republic.
The Zambian government views this visit as a significant opportunity to advance its foreign policy objectives, strengthen economic ties, and promote cooperation between Zambia and Saudi Arabia.
The 1st Saudi-Africa Summit holds great promise for deepening relationships, fostering development, and creating opportunities for collaboration between Zambia and Saudi Arabia.
As President Hichilema embarks on this diplomatic journey, it is with the hope of building a brighter and more prosperous future for the people of Zambia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
