By SIMON MUNTEMBA
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema yesterday met his South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa and held bilateral talks on peace and security that are of mutual importance to the two countries.
Mr Hichilema meet President Ramaphosa in his capacity as SADC Chairperson of the Organ for Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation regarding the peace and security situation in the troubled Cabo Delgado region in Mozambique.
“Other than being one of Zambia’s major trading partners, South Africa and Zambia enjoy a warm and cordial relationship and share historical ties that date back to the time of her independence.
Our discussions centred around development, regional peace and security and enhancing our economic and bilateral ties. We also discussed ways on how to combat the Covid-19 pandemic that threatens to reverse economic gains our two countries have made,” President Hichilema posted on his Facebook page.
Earlier, President Hichilema said as always, his mission was to accelerate trade and investment at home and abroad, in order to strengthen the economy, create jobs, and improve livelihoods.
He said that could only be possible when there was peace and stability in the region.
Our efforts to uplift our people, he said, are of utmost importance to us, and we will leave no stone unturned until we have found meaningful, sustainable employment opportunities for everyone.
And speaking shortly before departure, Mr Hichilema said his discussions with President Ramaphosa would be an extension of talks during his Malawi visit two weeks ago where he attended the SADC Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government.
The President said he would also take an opportunity to attend a book launch by Brenthurst Foundation Executive Director, Greg Mills, whilst in South Africa.
“If you look at that book, it is a wonderful book talking about how you can use aid to deliver development, to deliver jobs, it is all connected, and there is nothing wrong. I don’t know if you know that I have been part of the book review panel for 15 years, a global book review panel. If you check a lot of books, you will find my notations there,” Mr Hichilema said.
jobs, it is all connected, and there is nothing wrong. I don’t know if you know that I have been part of the book review panel for 15 years, a global book review panel. If you check a lot of books, you will find my notations there,” Mr Hichilema said.
