President Hichilema Extols Finland’s Contribution to Zambia’s Development in High-Level Meeting
In a recent meeting at the State House, President Hakainde Hichilema warmly welcomed Her Excellency Ms. Saana Halinen, Ambassador of Finland to Zambia, along with a delegation from the Finance Committee of the Parliament of Finland, led by Ms. Krista Mikkonen.
The meeting served as a platform to express gratitude towards Finland for its significant contributions to Zambia’s development across various sectors.
President Hichilema commended Finland for its unwavering support in bolstering the development cooperation between the two nations, particularly in crucial sectors such as mining and agriculture.
Notably, he acknowledged Finland’s generous allocation of £9 million towards enhancing the Zambia Private Sector, with a specific focus on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) from 2018 to 2023.
Recognizing Finland’s expertise in geological surveys and capacity building for Electric Vehicle (EV) value chains, President Hichilema emphasized the importance of further collaboration, especially in the mining sector.
He underscored Zambia’s commitment to leveraging Finland’s knowledge to enhance its mining practices and infrastructure.
Additionally, the President highlighted the significance of continued cooperation in agriculture and forestry, emphasizing the need for modernizing weather and climate early warning service systems with Finnish assistance. This collaboration aligns with Zambia’s aspirations for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
President Hichilema affirmed Zambia’s dedication to deepening its development cooperation with the global community as a vital strategy for economic growth and prosperity.
He emphasized the importance of fostering strong diplomatic ties and leveraging partnerships to address the nation’s developmental challenges effectively.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both parties to further strengthen bilateral relations and explore new avenues for collaboration, with a shared vision of fostering sustainable development and prosperity for both Zambia and Finland.
