Lusaka, Zambia – Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Wednesday hosted German President Frank Walter Steinmeier and his delegation at State House.
In a statement after the meeting, President Hichilema said Zambia and Germany share common values, including democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. He added that the two countries have a long-standing relationship dating back to Zambia’s independence in 1964.
President Hichilema expressed his gratitude to Germany and the European Union for their support in Zambia’s debt restructuring process and the Lobito Corridor project, which connects Zambia to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. He said the project will facilitate the movement of goods and passengers between the three countries.
President Hichilema said Zambia is committed to deepening its ties with Germany in various areas, including economics, energy, agriculture, water and sanitation, and related technologies. He said this is in line with Zambia’s foreign policy, which is built on two pillars: economic diplomacy and peace, stability, and security.
President Steinmeier said Germany is committed to supporting Zambia’s development goals. He said Germany is particularly interested in working with Zambia on climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
President Steinmeier’s visit to Zambia is the first by a German president in over 20 years.
