President Hakainde Hichilema arrived in Rome, Italy, for a reciprocal State visit, graciously hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Accompanied by First Lady Mutinta Hichilema and Foreign Affairs Minister Stanley Kakubo, the visit reciprocates President Mattarella’s journey to Zambia in July of the previous year, where the leaders solidified the longstanding bilateral and international cooperation between the two nations, tracing back to Zambia’s Independence.
During his visit to Zambia, President Mattarella commended the country as a beacon of peace and a champion of democratic principles. He expressed Italy’s commitment to assisting Zambia in various economic sectors, including mining, agriculture, health, and education.
President Hichilema, on his visit to Italy, had the esteemed privilege of meeting His Excellency Sergio Mattarella, the President of Italy, at the Quirinale Palace. Discussions during the meeting focused on the mutual desire to strengthen the relationship between Zambia and Italy, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts for the betterment of both nations and their people.
The leaders explored avenues through which Italy could contribute to accelerating Zambia’s development, with a particular emphasis on sustainable alliances with Italian businesses. Key sectors of interest for collaboration included Agriculture, Energy, Tourism, and Mining, showcasing a commitment to diverse and robust economic partnerships.
President Hichilema, in a statement, acknowledged the honor of delivering the keynote address at the Zambia-Italian Business Forum in Rome. The event saw the participation of 34 Zambian companies, organized by the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Zambia Development Agency. The President encouraged Italian companies to explore abundant opportunities in Zambia, spanning agriculture, energy, mining, infrastructure, health, and tourism.
Highlighting the interconnectedness of the global community, President Hichilema urged businesses to collaborate as a unified team, transcending bureaucratic boundaries and segregation. Recognizing the strengths of Italian businesses in advanced technology and capital and Zambia’s critical mineral endowment, he emphasized the pivotal importance of fostering mutual partnerships that bring benefits to both countries.
Anticipating tangible transactions resulting from the forum, President Hichilema encouraged businesses facing challenges in setting up companies in Zambia to bring them forward for resolution. This proactive approach aligns with the President’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses and furthering economic growth in Zambia.
As President Hichilema continues his diplomatic efforts to bolster international relationships and promote economic partnerships, these engagements mark a crucial step towards realizing Zambia’s developmental aspirations on the global stage.
These meetings have been there from time immemorial and they produce nothing.
Hunger Hainde should not think that he is the first one to attend bilateral meetings. They are money drainers. Let him stop travelling and arrest the cost of living. The solution to Zambian problems is not in Italy and Germany
LT HOW CAN IT BE FRUITFUL BEFORE IT HAS TAKEN PLACE ?
F00Iish propaganda by upnd controlled LT. 6 articles all about the same f00I who has failed to do anything positive to our economy. His lies are catching up with him. His days are numbered.
Refraim from talking about your beloved ECL like that
ECL was way way waaaayy worse on that front.Economic indicators were all going down to the point that Zambia defaulted on its Eurobond.
Ba LT stop childish propaganda. The trip is not even over and you scream “President Hichilema Embarks on Fruitful State Visit to Italy”??? How can you know a farm will be fruitful before you raise your hoe?
@Fresha…add to that the disappointing fact that he has cancelled a meeting scheduled to meet Zambians resident in Italy with no explanation at all.
When KK visited Italy, we had FIAT in Zambia and they powered ZamTan and Rudnap. Mimbula Fitula was born. When he returns with empty hands he’ll be greeted by demands that he declares his assets. Now that the US Ambassador has spoken there’s no excuse kaili he listens more to them than us.
@Ayatollah indeed, Where is Mimbula Fitula Football Club?
Lol ,Italy is the European version of Zambia – its economy has been stagnant the last ten years.
And not a single child born in last 3 months.
HH goes gallivanting, shopping, cutting private deals and amassing Per DIEMS.
May be, he carried Casili’s gold and emeralds for delivery in Italy. Casili is Findlay of HH.
@Mlevi Kachasu sir, how much was the50kg bag of mealie meal, 50kg bag of Fertiliser and fuel per litre when Edgar left.
May be I need to be made understand that the escalating prices of commodities indicates the economy is improving.
Mlevi, the economy is seen by the cost of living
Kaizar go hug a zesco pole.
We are used to beating our chests even before we know what is coming out of an egg or until final whistle is sounded. Premature celebration. He got very prickly when we directed him to go to the East where that country holds master of our indebtedness. What will Italy trip yield into? Only the Good Lord knows.
KAYA