HH TO ASSUME CHAIRMANSHIP OF SADC ORGAN FOR POLITICS, DEFENCE AND SECURITY

By NATION REPORTER 

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema is expected to assume chairmanship of SADC organ for politics, defence and security cooperation at the 43rd ordinary summit of SADC heads of state and government in Luanda, Angola.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kakubo said President Hichilema would attend the 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government from August 16 to 17, 2023, in Luanda, Angola.

Mr Kakubo said the summit, which was being hosted by Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, would be convened under the theme “Human and Financial Capital: The Key Drivers for Sustainable Industrialization of the SADC Region”.

“During this annual regional Summit, President Hichilema will assume the Chair of the SADC Organ for Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, taking over from His Excellency Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia,” he said. 

He said Zambia’s assumption of the chairmanship holds immense benefits for both the nation and the broader SADC community. 

Mr Kakubo said this elevated Zambia’s international standing, positioning the nation as a force for positive change and a beacon of regional leadership. Furthermore, the pursuit of peace and security under President Hichilema’s guidance will catalyse economic growth, enable social development, and reinforce the SADC region’s commitment to collaboration and cohesiveness.

He also said ahead of the 43rd Ordinary Summit will be the Organ Troika Summit on August 16, 2023. 

Mr Kakubo said the President would also hold bilateral meetings with regional leaders on the margins of the summit. 

“The SADC summit is expected to review progress on the implementation of the SADC regional integration agenda as outlined in the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030, which seeks to promote a peaceful, inclusive, competitive, and middle-to-high income industrialised bloc,” he said. 

He said the 43rd Ordinary Summit was preceded by the meeting of the SADC Council of Ministers which took place on sunday and Monday.

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