President Hichilema To Meet With Angolan President To Discuss Infrastructure And Energy

Yesterday afternoon, President Hakainde Hichilema, accompanied by his wife, the First Lay Mutinta Hichilema, departed for Angola.

 During the trip, the president will meet with Angolan officials as well as the country’s President, João Lourenço.

 The two leaders are expected to discuss the bilateral issues of infrastructure development specifically that of road, rail and aviation.

 The two are also expected to discuss the issue of energy supply.

 Following these meetings, the presidents will then sign a Memorandum of Understanding to solidify their agreements.

 President Hichilema is also due to address the National Assembly of Angola and travel to the Benguela province to have a tour of the Lobito Port, the Benguela Railway Company and the Lobito Petroleum Refinery.

 Stanley Kukubo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, outlined in a statement released yesterday, that the trip would align large infrastructure projects in both countries to ensure the effective and productive movement of goods.

Mr Kukubo also outlined that the talks would be beneficial in the face of the current energy shortages that Zambians are facing as Angola could offer an alternative source of petroleum products for Zambia due to their close geographical proximity.