PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema is scheduled to travel to Rwanda for a state visit in an effort to reinforce bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Head of State is also expected to then travel to Paris, France to participate at the Summit for New Financing pact, which will be chaired by President Emmanuel Macron.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stanley Kakubo said the state visit being undertaken by the Head of State to Rwanda is at the invitation of President Paul Kagame.
“The visit to Rwanda comes in response to an invitation from President Kagame, and aims to reinforce bilateral relations between Zambia and Rwanda, while fostering partnerships for development and cooperation,” he said.
Mr Kakubo noted that the visit serves as a reciprocal gesture following President Kagame’s State visit to Zambia in April last year, highlighting the enduring strategic partnership anchored on shared values and mutual respect.
He also outlined that among the engagements lined up is the President Hichilema’s participation in the inclusive FinTech Forum, whilst in Kigali, where he and President Kagame will deliver keynote speeches.
“The forum will provide a platform to promote an “all Africa” approach, centering on the creation of harmonised and unified policies, by building bridges, encouraging the movement of skills and services across borders, and facilitating the seamless integration of African economies. Furthermore, President Hichilema, in his capacity as the new Chairman of COMESA, will discuss priorities and initiatives he wishes to advance within the organisation,” he said.
Mr Kakubo further stated that on Thursday, June 22nd, President Hichilema is scheduled to participate at the Summit for a New Financing Pact in Paris, which has been convened to consider viable financing mechanisms that will guarantee developing countries access to international markets and concessional financing.
He outlined that the Summit will provide an opportunity to address key issues such as the reform of multilateral development banks, sovereign debt matters, innovative financing, international taxes and special drawing rights.
“On the margins of the Summit, President Hichilema, alongside the Heads of State of Brazil, Barbados, and Egypt, will participate in the High Level Segment on “Climate and Poverty”, where he will be expected to deliver a statement. The President is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings on matters of mutual interest,” Mr Kakubo said.
(Mwebantu, Tuesday, 20th June, 2023)