Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepen economic cooperation with Burundi, saying there is considerable potential to expand trade, investment, agriculture, mining, energy and tourism between the two countries.
Speaking during a reception to mark the 64th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Burundi, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, said Zambia values its longstanding ties with Bujumbura.
Mr Kawana noted that Zambia and Burundi’s relations are anchored on mutual respect, solidarity and a shared commitment to African unity.
He said both countries continue to work together within the African Union and other regional frameworks to promote peace, stability and sustainable development.
“Zambia remains committed to strengthening economic ties with Burundi through enhanced trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, mining, energy and infrastructure development,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary welcomed the recent bilateral agreements signed between Lusaka and Bujumbura, describing them as a solid framework for deeper collaboration.
“Zambia therefore, looks forward to the full and timely implementation of these agreements, which will undoubtedly further strengthen economic cooperation, through increased trade and investment, as well as promote greater people-to-people exchanges,” Mr Kawana said.
He further commended Burundi’s efforts toward economic transformation and said stronger cooperation would help both countries meet national development goals and the broader aspirations of regional integration under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Mr Kawana proposed a toast to the good health of Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, to continued Zambia Burundi cooperation and to the success of joint aspirations for enhanced regional integration.
