Zambia redefines its relationship with Washington: investment instead of aid.
Lusaka calls for increased investment and technology transfer with Washington
Written by: Mohammed Omran
Relations between Zambia The United States is making significant shifts towards strengthening the economic partnership and expanding areas of cooperation between the two countries, as confirmed by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema during his meeting with the new US Chargé d'Affaires, Mitch Cocker, in the capital, Lusaka.
A strategic shift in Zambian-American relations under Hichilema's leadership
Hishilima said the relationship between the two countries has gone beyond the idea of being linked to people or political figures, and is now based on a broader strategic partnership aimed at supporting economic cooperation, increasing investments, transferring technology, and promoting private sector-led growth.
Hichilema opens a new chapter with America: economic cooperation without personal constraints
The Zambian president stressed the importance of maintaining the historic relationship between Zambia and the United States, while emphasizing the need to redirect it towards more effective areas such as trade and joint ventures, rather than the traditional focus on aid and development programs only.
He explained that the current stage requires developing cooperation to become more linked to long-term economic partnerships, with greater involvement of the private sector in supporting these relations, in order to achieve mutual interests for both parties.
Hichilema noted that Zambia is working to expand areas of cooperation with the United States within a vision based on promoting mutual benefits, stressing that economic relations have become a priority in the country’s foreign policy during the current period.
These statements come amid previous tensions between Lusaka and Washington over proposals to exchange minerals for aid, as well as disagreements over a $2 billion US health aid package linked to access to medical data.
The Zambian president stressed that these differences should not affect the course of public relations between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of continuing strategic cooperation.
For his part, US official Mish Cocker affirmed that relations between the United States and Zambia are strong and stable, and will continue regardless of political changes, with Washington committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields.
