The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to inform the nation that Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia will undertake a visit to the United States of America to attend the 76th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly from 20th to 26th September, 2021.
The President is expected to depart tomorrow, 19th September, 2021. He will be accompanied by Hon. Situmbeko Musokotwane, M.P., Minister of Finance and National Planning and myself.
The UN General Assembly, which is underway in New York, has been convened under the theme:
“Building Resilience through hope – to Recover from Covid-19, Rebuild sustainably, Respond to the needs of the Planet, Respect the rights of people and Revitalize the United Nations.”
As a high point in the visit, the President will deliver his maiden address to the UN General Assembly on 21st September, 2021.
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the President will participate in the following high level Summits:
- The 2021 SDG Moment
- The High Level Dialogue on Energy
- The UN Food Systems Summit
- The Global Covid-19 Summit
In addition, the President will pay a courtesy call on His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary General and hold several bilateral meetings with other world leaders including the President of the European Council, His Excellency Mr. Charles Michel.
During this visit, the President is also scheduled to travel to Washington D.C. where he will hold a historical meeting with the Vice President of the United States of America, Ms. Kamala Harris. This is the first time in more than two decades that a sitting Zambian President has met with the top leadership of the United States of America, signifying the mark of confidence in our President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema and his administration.
In line with the Government’s vision of turning around the economy, promoting trade and investment, among other strategies, the President will also hold meetings with the heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
The President will further engage with prominent and influential Congressmen and women as well Senators at Capitol Hill in order to share Zambia’s vision under the “New Dawn” Administration.
Other engagements during this important visit to the United States include the US Institute of Peace, the US Chamber of Commerce and the Africa Business Centre where the President is expected to project the vision of the new Government in addressing the aspirations of the Zambian people.
These high level engagements with strategic partners and thinktanks are important to ensure that the New Dawn Government achieves its goal of economic transformation underpinned by Peace and Security through the consolidation of bilateral and multilateral relations with countries and institutions of key interest to the Republic of Zambia.
Government remains confident that this landmark visit will translate into tangible benefits for the ordinary people of Zambia.
The President and his delegation are scheduled to return to Zambia on 27th September, 2021.
I thank you.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
LUSAKA
18th September, 2021
