PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema, accompanied by First Lady Mutinta and Foreign Affairs Minister Stanley Kakubo, has landed in Rome, Italy, responding to an invitation from President Sergio Mattarella.
This reciprocal State visit follows President Mattarella’s trip to Zambia in July 2022, where both leaders strengthened their countries’ longstanding bilateral and international cooperation.
State House Chief Communication Specialist Clayson Hamasaka highlighted President Mattarella’s recognition of Zambia as a beacon of peace and a promoter of democratic tenets during his 2022 visit.
He said Italy expressed readiness to assist Zambia in economic sectors such as mining, agriculture, health, and education.
He said President Hichilema is set to discuss Zambia’s advantageous geographical location, emphasizing fertile arable land and freshwater sources despite climate change challenges.
Mr Hamasaka said President Hichilema will attend the Zambia-Italian Business Forum, where he is expected to make a business case for Zambia by encouraging Italian investors to partner with local Zambians.
“He is expected to encourage business investments and partnerships that increase local production through in-country mineral extraction, processing, and value addition to generate employment and strengthen the local currency from exports,” he said.
Mr Hamasaka said the President will further discuss the need to review the cost of capital that disadvantages Africa.
He said the Head od State will use this visit to thank Italy for its support in securing an agreement with the International Monetary Fund and facilitating debt restructuring talks.
Mr Hamasaka said President Hichilema will also acknowledge Italy’s timely response to Zambia’s Covid-19 challenge, involving the donation of over 500,000 Pfizer vaccines to the Ministry of Health.
(Mwebantu, Tuesday, 21st November, 2023)