By Chembe Mbale
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says Zambia is collaborating with Israel to boost the economy through skills and expertise transfer, particularly to address technological challenges in agriculture, energy, and other sectors.
President HICHILEMA says Zambia has partnered with Israel in many areas of development, including health, technology advancement, and the use of modern irrigation systems in agriculture.
He says his government expects Zambia’s relationship with Israel to deliver beyond expectations for both nations and their citizens.
President HICHILEMA was speaking during the Thanksgiving Service for the re-establishment of the diplomatic mission in Zambia with the State of Israel, held at Kitwe’s Living Waters Global Ministries.
He said the occasion also marked the celebration of the reopening of the Israeli Embassy in Zambia, which had been closed for 52 years.
The President also said he was surprised that some people were criticising his recent trip to Tanzania when the two countries share deep economic and bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, the President announced that the President of Israel, ISAAC HERZOG, will undertake a two-day State Visit to Zambia to reciprocate his earlier visit to Israel.
And Israeli Ambassador to Zambia, OFRA FARHI, said the Thanksgiving Service for the re-establishment of the embassy was not only a recognition of past achievements but also a beacon of hope for future cooperation and collaboration.
She said Zambia and Israel share many common values and deep roots, hence the strengthening of their diplomatic partnership.
Ms. FARHI further described Israel as an important economic partner for Zambia in key sectors such as health, agriculture, and technology.
She said her country would also consider making Zambia a centre of Israeli activities in Africa.
Ms. FARHI disclosed that the recent Israeli–Palestinian war had ended and that a ceasefire was about to be signed, but asked Zambia to continue praying for peace in her country.
Speaking earlier, Chairperson of the Copperbelt Ministers’ Fellowship Consultative Forum, RADDY LEWILA, emphasised the biblical significance of re-establishing diplomatic ties between Zambia and Israel, predicting that Zambia would reap more blessings than expected.
Bishop LEWILA said Israel is a blessed nation, as highlighted in the Book of Exodus.
And Life Gospel Fellowship Ministries International Overseer, Bishop JOSEPH KAZHILA, commended President HICHILEMA for strengthening Zambia–Israel relations, describing the move as a testament to the strong bond between the two nations.
He also called for continued prayers for peace and hard work to drive economic growth beyond expectations.
Meanwhile, Kitwe Mayor MWAYA MPASA expressed the city’s eagerness to foster ties with Israel for mutual growth and development.
