US, Serbia Congratulate President-elect Hichilema on Re-election

The United States and Serbia have congratulated President – elect Hakainde Hichilema following his re-election in the just ended August 15 General Election. The two nations have pledged to strengthen bilateral relations with Zambia and continue cooperation in areas of mutual…

The United States and Serbia have congratulated President – elect  Hakainde Hichilema following his re-election in the just ended August 15 General Election.

The two nations have pledged to strengthen bilateral relations with Zambia and continue cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The United States said it welcomed President Hichilema’s return to office and expressed readiness to work with his administration and the Zambian people to advance economic development, regional peace and security, and global health initiatives.

“For 62 years, the United States and Zambia have built a strong and enduring partnership,” the US said, adding that it looked forward to continuing collaboration with Zambia under President -Elect Hichilema’s leadership.

Washington’s message highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries, which has focused on development cooperation, economic ties, and shared regional and international priorities.

Meanwhile, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić also sent his congratulations to the president-elect, describing the relationship between Serbia and Zambia as a historic friendship rooted in the era of the Non-Aligned Movement.

In a message dated August 18, 2026, Vučić said Serbia valued its ties with Zambia and expressed confidence that relations between the two countries would continue to expand.

“I believe that the overall relations between Serbia and Zambia will continue to develop and further strengthen to the mutual satisfaction of our two friendly peoples,” Vučić said.

The Serbian leader has invited President-Elect Hichilema to attend a high-level conference in Belgrade marking the anniversary of the first Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, saying his presence would reaffirm the strength of the friendship between the two nations.

Vučić also thanked Zambia for its support for Serbia’s position on territorial integrity and sovereignty, saying Zambia’s stance reflected its commitment to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The messages from Washington and Belgrade come as Zambia begins a new phase under President Hichilema’s renewed mandate, with both countries signalling interest in deeper cooperation with Lusaka.