President Hichilema Embarks on Official Visits to Germany and Italy
President Hakainde Hichilema of the Republic of Zambia has accepted invitations from leaders in Germany and Italy, marking his official visits to both countries.
According to the official statement issued by Hon. Stanley K. Kakubo, Minister of Foreign Afairs and International Cooperation, the visits are poised to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties, with a focus on trade, investment, and collaboration.
Hon. kakubo stated that President Hichilema’s first destination will be Germany, where he is set to attend the 5th Conference on the G20 Compact with Africa in Berlin.
This conference, scheduled for November 20th, 2023, will center discussions on the energy sector, trade, and investment opportunities in African emerging markets.
Hon. kakubo sad that the President is expected to engage in bilateral talks with other leaders on the sidelines of the conference, addressing matters of mutual interest.
The Compact with Africa initiative, initiated in 2017, he said serves as a crucial platform for dialogue and cooperation between reform-oriented African nations, G20 partners, and beyond.
Minister kakubo stated that following President Hichilema’s engagements in Germany, he will embark on a State Visit to Italy from November 21st to 22nd, 2023.
This visit comes at the invitation of President Sergio Mattarella. In Rome, the Zambian President is scheduled to hold talks with President Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, focusing on reinforcing strategic bilateral and economic relations.
According to Hon. kakubo the agenda includes discussions on critical issues at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
As part of his itinerary, he said President Hichilema will also meet with heads of the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, emphasizing collaboration in food security, rural development, and poverty reduction.
A notable event during the visit is the Zambia-Italy Business Forum, providing a platform to showcase Zambia’s investment potential and explore joint venture collaborations.
In a move reflecting President Hichilema’s commitment to economic transformation, Hon. kakubo said that the president will tour Maccaresa Farm, a technologically advanced integrated farm in Italy.
The visit aims to explore models that could be replicated in Zambia, particularly in sectors crucial to the country’s economic growth.
Hon. Stanley K. Kakubo, emphasized the significance of these visits in consolidating Zambia’s ongoing efforts to unlock its economy through meaningful partnerships and collaboration, particularly in trade and investment.
He further said that the visits underscore the administration’s dedication to creating equitable opportunities and transforming the country’s economic landscape.
President Hichilema is expected to return to Zambia immediately after concluding his engagements in Italy.
