By Joy Nyambe
President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia is ready to reset its relationship with the United States, to accelerate its development.
President Hichilema says Zambia is looking forward to deepening its cooperation with the US in a strategic manner that delivers mutual value for both countries.
The President is pleased with the shared values of democracy, rule of law and human rights between the two countries.
President Hichilema said this when he met US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, Caleb Orr at State House today.
The President said Zambia and the US have been working together in different sectors such as health, mining among others.
He said his administration is working round the challenges in the health sector and looking forward to reaching a conclusion on the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact issue.
President Hichilema added that in the mining sector, there is a lot of mutuality and value that can be derived from the partnership between Lusaka and Washington.
The President cited the advanced technology being used at Ming’omba mine, which he said needs to be used in other sectors as well.
And Mr. Orr said the US is giving Zambia an opportunity to help lead and benefit from the TRUMP administration’s new pro-growth, results-oriented model of foreign assistance.
He said the US expects more from the bilateral relationship with Zambia, as Zambia has enormous economic potential.
Mr. Orr said President Trump has been clear in saying there is need to move from an era of aid to an era of trade that benefits both the two countries’ people.
He said the US wants deeper collaboration in the mining sector and a transparent level playing field for American businesses to contribute to Zambia’s economic development.
Mr. Orr also committed that the US is offering Zambia up to two billion dollars of grants over the next five years, based on reciprocity.
