President Hakainde Hichilema has called for an end to traffic congestion at the Kasumbalesa the export gateway to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following persistent disruptions in the flow of trucks ferrying various cargo.
To this effect, he has directed the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry to engage stakeholders from both Zambia and the DRC to find a lasting solution to the perennial problem.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Hichilema said this when new DRC Ambassador Didier Bapaga presented his credentials at State House in Lusaka yesterday.
President Hichilema added that other routes to DRC such as Kolwezi Lumwana, Mukambo, Kipushi and Sakani border areas should be opened to develop business trade for the two countries.
He said Zambia and the DRC needed to focus their efforts and resources to foster economic development for the benefit of their people.
He reiterated the call for joint efforts to develop the mineral resource base abundantly in the two countries.
“I must indicate that it is very important that we must organise ourselves and unlock specific opportunities in our two countries. The minerals which are predominant in DRC and Zambia, such as Copper, Gold, should be exploited to advance development in the two countries,” he said.
President Hichilema added that Zambia attached importance to the relationship it had with the DRC.
“Zambia and DRC share common interests of ensuring that there is security and peace for their people, that should be maintained,”
He urged the new ambassador to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to unlock various opportunities to benefit both countries as we address challenges affecting the countries.
Mr. Bapaga said his country valued the long standing bilateral relationship with Zambia and he has taken keen to learn from Zambia how to tackle challenges facing his country citing poverty, HIV/AIDS and climate change.
He commanded Zambia for the role it played in promoting peace, security and stability in DRC and other countries around Africa.
Meanwhile President Hichilema says bilateral cooperation between Zambia and the European Union (EU) is key in helping improve the livelihood of citizens reports JAMES KUNDA.
Mr. Hichilema said Zambia and the EU had built a strong working bond, overtime and relations had room for further deepening for the mutual benefit of both parties.
He said this when EU Council president Charles Michel called on him at State House yesterday.
He thanked Mr. Michel for the opportunity accorded to him to address the EU Parliament in Brussels Belgium last month.
He added that Mr. Michel’s visit was timely as it coincided with the country’s hosting of the country’s hosting of the African Union Summit in Lusaka.
In response, Mr. Michel said he was proud of the existing bilateral relationship and cooperation between Zambia and the EU.
He described President Hichilema’s speech to the EU Parliament as bearing a powerful message.
“We are here to see how e can exchange views to further deepen our bilateral ties,” Mr. Michel said.
