Zambia, Egypt set to strengthen ties, enhance training standards for diplomats

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) Permanent Secretary, Hope Situmbeko, is in Cairo, Egypt, for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Zambia Institute of Diplomatic Studies (ZIDIS) and Egypt’s Institute of Diplomatic Studies (IDS).

According to Jessie Simukoko, Counselor for Tourism at the Zambian Embassy in Cairo, the MoU, set to be signed on Wednesday, aims to strengthen regional and international cooperation while enhancing the training standards for Zambian diplomats prior to their overseas assignments.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Simukoko mentioned that upon her arrival in Cairo, Situmbeko and her delegation paid a courtesy visit to Abou Bakr Hefny Mahmoud, Egypt’s Deputy Foreign Minister, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cairo’s New Administrative Capital.

“Also present at the meeting were Zambia’s Ambassador to Egypt, Topply Lubaya, and other diplomats. The Deputy Minister was accompanied by the Ambassador-Designate to Zambia, Mayada, and Mohamed Ramadan, Counselor responsible for Southern African countries,” Simukoko added.

The Deputy Foreign Minister and Situmbeko discussed enhancing Egypt-Zambia relations, focusing on the resumption of Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC) meetings, the promotion of Public-Private Partnerships in agriculture and mining, and the reinstatement of direct flights for passengers and cargo between the two countries.

“The Permanent Secretary emphasized that peace, stability and security are crucial for advancing economic diplomacy,” Simukoko noted.

The discussions also covered mutual support for candidates vying for positions in key regional organizations.

Following the meeting, the Zambian delegation toured Egypt’s New Administrative Capital to observe the country’s infrastructure development efforts aimed at alleviating congestion in Cairo’s central business district.

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