President Hakainde Hichilema Affirms Commitment to Strengthen Zambia-China Relations
The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security of Zambia, Mr. Jack Mwiimbu, emphasized the significance of Zambia’s relationship with China, expressing President Hakainde Hichilema’s dedication to consolidating and deepening the friendship between the two nations.
In an official statement Issued by Catherine Kashoti, the Second Secretary- Communications, Embassy of the Republic of Zambia, Beijing, China, during a meeting with Mr. Wang Xiaohong, the Minister of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Mwiimbu highlighted the importance of enhancing strategic communication and policy synergy.
He underscored the commitment to fully implement the Nine (9) programs announced by China at the 8th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in November 2021.
At the 8th FOCAC Ministerial Conference, the President of China pledged close collaboration with African countries, including Zambia. Since then, the People’s Republic of China has provided an initial grant of RMB 100 Million (approximately USD 15 million) to Zambia for various agreed-upon projects.
Mr. Mwiimbu also mentioned that Zambia is currently reviewing the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on mutual visa exemption for Diplomatic and Service passport holders. Once cleared by the Ministry of Justice, diplomatic channels will be engaged for further discussions.
Addressing potential areas of cooperation, Mr. Mwiimbu expressed Zambia’s interest in expanding collaboration through capacity building in asset tracing and recovery, digital forensics, cyber-crime investigations, forensics investigations, explosives and bomb disposal.
He called for increased cooperation in training programs related to policing, correctional services, anti-terrorism, anti-money laundering, and immigration.
Moreover, Mr. Mwiimbu urged for collaboration in acquiring specialized equipment such as communication interception tools, body scanners, sensors, digital forensic investigation equipment, mobile geo-tracking equipment, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
This visit by Mr. Jack Mwiimbu follows President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent state visit to China, further strengthening bilateral engagements with President Xi Jinping. The Zambian government, represented by Mr. Mwiimbu, aims to foster an enduring partnership with China across various domains for mutual benefit.
