President Hichilema Given Standing Ovation At EU Parliament

President Hakainde Hichilema was given a standing ovation after addressing members of the European Union (EU) Parliament in Brussels on Thursday.  

The President told European lawmakers “Zambia is back in business, in the Champions league”. In response, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) rose to their feet and applauded.

President Hichilema’s speech called for greater cooperation between the EU and Zambia, in particular emphasising trade and the exchange of knowledge and ideas.

He also reiterated his government’s commitment to putting the people’s interests first, reforming governance practices, protecting the free press and putting education and youth interests at the top of his political agenda.

The President went on to condemn the war in Ukraine, for which the EU has placed heavy sanctions on Russia.

“We categorically say no to the war in Ukraine,” he said. “It is tragic and heart-breaking to witness the thousands of lives lost and millions displaced unnecessarily, as a result of an avoidable conflict.”  

Hichilema added that the impacts of the war were being felt even in Zambia, where higher fuel, food and fertilizer prices are making life difficult for citizens. He suggested that Zambia would cooperate with the EU to fill the gap in the food market left by Ukraine and alleviate shortages.

The President was introduced on stage by EU Parliament President Robert Metsola, who said Zambia stands as an example of a mature democracy for the whole of the African continent.

“Now more than ever, in the current troubled geopolitical context and during Russia’s efforts to increase its influence in Africa, Zambia’s progress needs to be supported,” he said. 

The President left Brussels on Thursday evening for Kigali, where he will address the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) – the first appearance by a Zambian head of state at the event since 2011.