- Both sides agree to forge deeper economic cooperation
CHOMBA MUSIKA
Lusaka
THE European Union (EU) has described Zambia as a beacon of democracy, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening relations with the country while encouraging continued respect for the rule of law.
European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela made the remarks during a Zambia-EU bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Mr Síkela encouraged Zambia and the EU to look ahead and build on their existing partnership, with the two sides agreeing to deepen cooperation in investment, value addition and economic development.
President Hakainde Hichilema was represented at the meeting by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe, who is leading the Zambian delegation to the General Assembly.
According to a statement issued by first secretary for press and public relations at Zambia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Namatama Njekwa, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to a forward-looking partnership with Zambia.
The EU also recognised Zambia’s continued support for the United Nations Charter, multilateralism and the rules-based international order.
The two sides agreed to strengthen economic cooperation in line with Zambia’s Grow Zambia Agenda, with particular attention to investment and value addition.
The EU expressed particular interest in Africa’s role in electric-vehicle battery and critical-mineral value chains, while Zambia welcomed the Global Gateway initiative and EU development cooperation, including approximately €110 million in budget support.
Both sides agreed that post-election developments should not divert attention from opportunities to deepen economic cooperation.
Meanwhile, Zambia has called for urgent action to translate the United Nations Pact for the Future into measurable national outcomes.
Mr Haimbe said member states need to move beyond global commitments and take practical measures to address development challenges at national level.
The UN General Assembly adopted the pact in 2024 to strengthen multilateral cooperation in areas including sustainable development, peace and security, digital transformation, development financing, and the interests of young people and future generations.
Mr Haimbe said Zambia’s role in co-facilitating the Global Digital Compact and the Sevilla Commitment has positioned the country to contribute to international efforts on digital cooperation and development financing.
He also called for increased investment in Africa’s digital infrastructure, computing capacity and skills to enable the continent to participate not only as a consumer but also as a shaper of emerging technologies. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
