[ad_1]
President Hakainde Hichilema has said there is a need to establish embassies in Burundi and Zambia to accelerate economic trade and investment between the two countries.
President Hichilema stressed the importance of having embassies in both countries in order to carry out operations directly aimed at promoting social and economic development and improving people’s livelihoods.
The Head of State reiterated his Government’s commitment to continue working with Burundi to accelerate economic development and improve the lives of the peoples of both countries.
President Hichilema, speaking at a state dinner in welcome of visiting Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye at the InterContinental Hotel in Lusaka this evening, called for the project to be initiated as soon as possible to find space to build the embassy in Zambia.
“The purpose of establishing embassies in both countries is expected to promote trade cooperation in many fields such as mining and agriculture. For a long time, we have been doing trade without embassies, but now is the time to set up embassies and conduct business directly,” he said.
President Hichilema said the initiative would deepen bilateral relations between the two countries, COMESA, the Southern African Development Community and other regional blocs on the continent.
He explained that despite the political challenges Burundi has been facing, trade between the two countries has continued to strengthen in all sectors of the economy.
The Head of State stressed the need to improve the Mpulungu port to international standards and the need for Burundi to become part of the Lobito corridor to boost trade.
President Hichilema pointed out that the Lobito Corridor project, supported by the United States and other countries, will promote economic trade between Zambia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burundi needs to be part of it.
The President also disclosed that Zambia and Burundi have signed memorandums of understanding in areas such as mining and agriculture, aimed at deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.
He also stressed the importance of training students in entrepreneurship so that they can contribute to the prosperity of both countries.
“The fact is that Burundi and Zambia are linked together through Lake Tanganyika, so trade must be expanded and today Zambians and Burundian people are married and we have become brothers and sisters,” he said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend you for accepting the invitation for this state visit, which is a true expression of brotherhood. Please feel at home,” he said.
Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye thanked Zambia for hosting Burundian refugees for a long time.
President Ndayishimiye has been calling for increased trade between the two countries to improve the lives of the people.
He also expressed his appreciation for Zambia’s hospitality, saying the warmth of the Zambian people made him feel at home.
“I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my brother Hichilema for inviting us to Zambia and my entourage and I are very happy to be here,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Burundi government sent 5,000 metric tons of relief food including beans, corn and rice to Zambia.
The Minister of Transport, Frank Tayali, made the announcement this evening at a state dinner hosted by President Hakainde Hichilema to welcome the President of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Mr. Tayali thanked the Burundi Government for the spirit of love and solidarity it has shown.
He said this truly embodies the spirit of Ubuntu and the move will bring comfort to the Zambian people.
Responding to the statement by Transport Minister Frank Tayali, Burundi’s Foreign Minister Albert Zingiro said the donation, although small, was made with the goodwill of the heart.
President Evariste Ndayishimiye is in Lusaka to inaugurate the Agriculture and Business Expo on August 3, 2024, at the invitation of President Hakainde Hichilema.
Zanis
[ad_2]
Source link
