President Hakainde Hichilema’s State Visit to Israel has Commenced.

The presidential plane of Hakainde Hichilema landed yesterday at Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel, following Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s invitation to the Zambian leader for a three-day state visit, which aims to strengthen diplomatic bonds between the two nations.

President Hichilema arrived in Tel Aviv on Monday, where he and the First Lady Mutinta Hichilema were enthusiastically greeted by Gil Haskel, the Chief of State Protocol.

As part of his state visit, a guided tour round the Old City of Jerusalem has been organised for President Hichilema. The Old City is immensely significant for the Israeli people, as it holds revered sites associated with the kings and prophets of the Old Testament, a guided tour around this historical site demonstrates a great respect towards Hichilema.

In a Facebook statement Hichilema wrote that he was “profoundly honoured” to visit the sites and that the Old City “emphasized the essence of social justice, peace, and unity for all humanity” to him.

Moreover, multiple governmental meetings with Hichilema have been scheduled. Yesterday, the president attended a discussion about the Israeli model of generating an innovative ecosystem for national growth at the Ambassadors Garden Hall at the King David Hotel.

After this gathering, Hichilema was hosted by Channel 24 for a television interview, which provided the president with an opportunity to express his perspectives on numerous matters of mutual importance between Zambia and Israel. Hichilema then attended various side meetings in the evening, in which he reportedly promoted bilateral negotiations, and explored areas of cooperation between the two countries. 

Hichilema’s visit to Israel is focused on developing diplomatic ties and investigating further opportunities for collaboration in various sectors.

Herzog’s invitation demonstrates a commitment towards strengthening Zambia and Israel’s relationship and supporting cooperation between the nations.

In his statement, Hichilema wrote that his pilgrimage to Israel’s religious artefacts emphasised that “the core Christian values that our country embraces align with the principles of service to both our fellow human beings and our Creator”.

He also expressed his gratitude to Zambian citizens for their support and reiterated his dedication to fostering “goodwill and compassion throughout” Zambia.

Hichilema ended his message with a prayer for peace in Jerusalem, quoting Psalm 122:6,7: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.”