Hichilema, UK Foreign Secretary Meet To Strengthen Bilateral Ties

President Hichilema met with UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, at State House, the first time the Zambian President has hosted the UK Foreign Secretary in more than three decades.

The pair met, and discussed ways in which the nations’ bilateral ties could be strengthened through the Zambian economy. There was mutual interest in mining, energy and agricultural opportunities, with a focus on how investment could raise the standard of living in both Zambia and the UK.

Both sides said a key aim will be value addition to Zambian raw materials, in order to create employment opportunities for Zambian citizens and strengthen the country’s economy.

President thanked the UK “for the continued support in various areas such as education, health and good governance, among others”.

The talks follow the spectacular announcement yesterday of a £3 billion fund supplied by the UK to support Zambia’s green energy and green minerals mining infrastructure sectors. Mr. Cleverly announced that the fund was a clean energy partnership, designed to drive investment in Zambia’s ‘green economy’ – the primary focus being to tackle climate change, while creating jobs and generating business opportunities.