Zambia and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and private sector led projects.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe said the country wanted to anchor all the relations with international partners on key principles as the country shifts from debt restructuring to a growth phase.
Mr Haimbe was speaking during a courtesy call by Mr Mich Coker Charge d’Affairs at The United States of America Embassy in Lusaka.
He added that the focus is growth and the country will grow with partners in various sectors such as trade, investment and people to people perspectives.
The minister highlighted the Mingomba mining project as an important indication of the direction in which the relationship is going citing that Zambia wants more tangible investments and more tangible evidence of strong ties.
“Mingomba will be probably the biggest mining asset in the country and will contribute significantly to our target of 3 million metric tonnes by 2031,” Mr Haimbe said.
He added that the project shows the role of private sector participation in driving bilateral economic cooperation.
He also noted that several agreements between the two countries are pending conclusion and expressed confidence that both sides will work together.
Mr Haimbe traced Zambia-U.S. relations to 1964, when the U.S. became the second country after the U.K. to establish diplomatic ties with Zambia.
He said the partnership has endured on the basis of shared values and mutual respect.
“The headline message today is that we continue to be strong partners and we have always been strong partners, and the relations can only grow from strength to strength,” he said.
He said the ministry would continue working closely with the U.S. embassy until a new portfolio holder is appointed.
“We do anticipate that as you take up this new role, we also improve the communication between us so that we are more effective in our engagements,” he said.
Mr Coker, said he was honoured by the welcome he has received in the country.
Mr Coker referenced President Hichilema’s remarks at the April 29th Chililabombwe Mingomba groundbreaking, citing that leadership may change and U.S – Zambia will remain strong.
