By 
President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to undertake an official visit to Germany and Italy to attend the conference on the G20 compact Africa, authorities have said.
The 5th Conference on the G20 Compact with Africa is scheduled for November 20, 2023, in Berlin, Germany, according to Foriegn Affairs and International Cooperation, Minister Stanley Kakubo.
Kakubo, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, said the Head of State would travel to Germany at the invitation of that country’s Vice Chancellor, Olaf Scholz.
He stated that the President would immediately after his engagements in Berlin undertake a State Visit to Italy from November, 21 to 22, 2023.
The Minister revealed that this follows an invitation from the Italian President, Sergio Mattarella.
“During the conference in Berlin, President Hichilema is expected to participate in discussions centered on the energy sector in relation to trade and investment opportunities in African emerging markets,” Kakubo indicated.
He said the discussions would also center on intensified cooperation, as well as strengthened economic cooperation and promotion of private sector investment.
Kakubo further indicated that on the margins of the meeting, the President would hold bilateral talks with other leaders on matters of mutual interest.
“The Compact with Africa, which was launched under the German G20 Presidency in 2017, has established itself as the key format for dialogue and cooperation between reform-oriented African countries, G20 partners and beyond,” he stated.
Kakubo said that this year’s conference would be preceded by an Investment Summit.
He stressed that Hichilema’s attendance was crucial as the meeting would provide an opportunity to consolidate the government’s ongoing efforts to unlock the country’s economy.
In Rome, Hichilema would meet with Mattarella, and Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy on pertinent issues at bilateral and multilateral levels.
“The President will also meet the heads of the Food and Agriculture Organisation and International Fund for Agricultural Development to discuss ways of strengthening collaboration and support in food security, rural development and poverty reduction,” he said.
Read More: President Hichilema leaves for SADC summit in Angola, set to become committee chairman
The Minister informed that Hichilema would also grace the Zambia-Italy Business Forum which would provide a platform to showcase Zambia’s investment potential and opportunities for joint venture collaborations.
Other engagements lined up during the visit include a tour of Maccaresa Farm, a modern technologically advanced integrated farm whose model could be replicated in Zambia.
“President Hichilema’s visit to Italy is underpinned by the Administration’s ongoing efforts to transform the country’s economy and create equitable opportunities for the people in key sectors,” he said.
He said the President was expected to return to Zambia immediately after his engagements in Italy.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments