President Hichilema, wife to visit Israel on state visit

President Hakainde Hichilema will undertake a state visit to Israel from July 31 to August 2, 2023, at the invitation of his Isreali counterpart, Isaac Herzog, a government official has announced.

According to Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Stanley Kakubo, the Head of State would be accompanied by the First Lady, Mutinta Hichilema, and was expected to return immediately after his engagements.

Kakubo confirmed Hichilema’s visit to Isreal in a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday.

“President Hichilema’s visit not only marks a significant milestone towards strengthening the bilateral cooperation between Zambia and Israel, but serves to reinforce the enduring alliance grounded in shared values and mutual aspirations for prosperity between the two nations,” he said.

Kakubo said during the visit, Hichilema was expected to engage in crucial talks with his counterpart Herzog and Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel, as well as other high-ranking officials.

He said the discussions would delve into critical bilateral and regional issues, prioritising peace, security, and peace-building initiatives.

“A key highlight of the visit will be the signing of the Zambia–Israel General Framework Agreement of Cooperation, jointly presided over by President Hichilema and President Herzog,” Kakubo said.

He said this broad-based agreement was designed to pave the way for a multifaceted collaboration between the two countries.

Kakubo said beyond the official engagements, Hichilema would also open the Zambia–Israel Business Forum under the theme “Agro-Business Opportunities to Guarantee Food Security”.

“President Hichilema’s visit offers a platform to further reinforce the strong and growing ties between Zambia and Israel, while exploring fresh avenues for further partnership in areas such as trade, technology, renewable energy, desert agriculture techniques, healthcare, and education,” he said.

Kakubo said the visit aligned seamlessly with the President’s sweeping Economic Transformation Agenda by providing a vital opportunity to foster valuable partnerships with the dynamic business landscape of Israel, unlocking lucrative investment possibilities.

He said notably, Israel’s unparalleled expertise in innovation and technology opened the doors to a world of mutually beneficial possibilities.

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