MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kakubo says President Hakainde Hichilema, President will attend the 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government from 16th to 17th August, 2023, in Luanda, Angola.
Mr Kakubo said the Summit, which is being hosted by President of Angola João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, will be convened under the theme “Human and Financial Capital: The Key Drivers for Sustainable Industrialization of the SADC Region”.
He said during this annual regional Summit, President Hichilema will assume the Chair of the SADC Organ for Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, taking over from Nambian President Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob.
Mr Kakubo said Zambia’s assumption of the Chairmanship holds immense benefits for both the Nation and the broader SADC community.
“It elevates Zambia’s international standing, positioning the nation as a force for positive change and a beacon of regional leadership. Furthermore, the pursuit of peace and security under President Hichilema’s guidance will catalyse economic growth, enable social development, and reinforce the SADC region’s commitment to collaboration and cohesiveness,” he said.
Mr Kakubo said President Hichilema will also hold bilateral meetings with regional leaders on the margins of the Summit.
He said the SADC Summit is expected to review progress on the implementation of the SADC regional integration agenda as outlined in the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030, which seeks to promote a peaceful, inclusive, competitive, and middle-to-high income industrialised bloc.
He said President Hichilema is expected to return to Lusaka immediately after his engagements.
(Mwebantu, Wednesday, 16th August, 2023)