Strengthening Bonds: UAE and Zambia Leaders Discuss Opportunities for Mutual Cooperation

Strengthening Bonds: UAE and Zambia Leaders Discuss Opportunities for Mutual Cooperation

Exchange of Goodwill

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of State, recently met with Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, in Lusaka, the Zambian capital. This important meeting served as a platform for the UAE and Zambian leaders to exchange greetings and goodwill on behalf of their respective countries. Sheikh Shakhboot conveyed greetings from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court. In return, President Hichilema expressed his wishes for growth and prosperity for the UAE government and its people.

Exploring Areas of Mutual Interest

During their meeting, the leaders took the opportunity to discuss regional issues of mutual interest and explore potential opportunities for cooperation between the UAE and Zambia. They identified renewable energy and logistics as potential areas for collaboration, demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainable development and efficient operations.

Advancing Cooperation Through Strategic Agreements

Highlighting the commitment to enhancing cooperation for mutual benefit, a significant framework agreement was signed between the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, representing the UAE, and Zambia’s Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development. This agreement serves as a testament to both countries’ dedication to fostering enterprise development and entrepreneurship, key drivers for economic growth and diversification.

Furthering Diplomatic Relations

In a separate meeting held in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, received his Zambian counterpart Stanley Kakubo. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations further, including the possibility of opening resident embassies. The Zambian Foreign Ministry reported that the discussions also revolved around ways to broaden the horizon of cooperation between the two countries.

Recognizing Economic Relations

Over the years, the UAE and Zambia have worked to solidify their economic relations. In 2020, the two countries signed three agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation, including the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments and the avoidance of double taxation. This was followed by a meeting in 2022 between Abdullah Muhammad Al Mazrouei, President of the Federation of UAE Chambers, and President Hichilema, in Abu Dhabi, further reinforcing their shared economic interests.

Regional and Global Impact

The strengthening of ties between the UAE and Zambia not only benefits the two nations but also contributes to regional and global development. The UAE’s pioneering stature regionally and internationally, coupled with its notable efforts to advance sustainable development paths in societies, is recognized by Zambia and other nations. As the two countries continue to foster their relationship, it is expected that they will continue to play a significant role in regional and global affairs.

As the world continues to witness the unfolding of these events, the collaboration between the UAE and Zambia serves as a beacon of diplomatic relations and mutual cooperation, setting a strong example for other nations around the world.