Britain has commended the Zambian Government for maintaining that bilateral relations between the two countries will not be shaken by the United Kingdom (UK)’s exit from the European Union (EU).
British High Commissioner to Zambia Fergus Cochrane-Dyet said in a statement in Lusaka that his country was grateful for the stance taken by its long-term cooperating partner.
Mr Cochrane-Dyet was reacting to statements by Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba and his Commerce counterpart Margaret Mwanakatwe in which the duo affirmed that the Zambia-British relations were intact.
“I welcome the statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba following the UK’s referendum on its membership of the European Union. The minister said that, while Zambia would study its implications, the bilateral relationship between Zambia and the UK would not be affected.
“In addition, the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Margaret Mwanakatwe, has offered reassurance to Zambia’s business community about ongoing trade and investment between Zambia and both the UK and the European Union. I am grateful to both ministers for their timely and perceptive remarks,” Mr Cochrane-Dyet said.
He said the UK look forward with confidence to maintaining its partnerships with the Zambian Government and businesses in the years ahead.
The UK last week voted to leave the EU in a national referendum.
I guess the more subtle implication is what Brexit means for the British economy as a whole. If the economy declines are worse still goes into a recession it will then have economic implications for not only Zambia but the global economy. Britain is one of Zambia’s major trading partners…so a recession in UK will mean reduced trade between Zambia and UK. A reduced GDP for UK will mean less developmental funding for countries like Zambia who are major recipients of developmental aid from the UK. So in my opinion, Brexit does have implications for Zambia.
Equally Zambia should publicly affirm the same to Barotseland her newly independent neighbour; WE WILL REMAIN NEIGHBOURS FOREVER WHETHER ZAMBIA WANTS IT, KNOWS IT OR NOT. T o demonstrate this important bilateral commitment barotseland will give space at own risk to your people to vote in your forthcoming elections so that the next government can start repatriating them accordingly. ALL THE BEST ZAMBIA.
Kabisoi I hope you have ready the agreement and the history behind it? It was released and its not a secrete. If you have not read it and depends on hear says please go and ready it while relaxing otherwise you will continue dreaming.
On the contrary, the departure from the EU (Brexit) by the United Kingdom will create more trade with non European countries especially those in the Commonwealth. As can be seen, the Pound has started gaining at a very good rate but will do even better after article 50 has been triggered.
Does it matter what these illegal think or say? They are clinging on their posts as part of their Boss’s Election Rigging strategy. Shame on them. Lungu and his illegal Ministers have no say on Brexit matters. They should just concentrate on their vote rigging strategy. They will pay a price for their misdeeds. Viva HH & UPND.
Bla the trade between UK and Zambia is very insignificant. It is erroneous to say UK is Zambia’s trading partner
Brexit is Britain’s exit from the European union. Why would anyone be concerned about a change in relation between Zambia and the UK? Does not directly affect us. We still need visa’s to travel or work there. We’re still a low priority in the Commonwealth.