Zambia, Ethiopia strengthen ties

Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, Kennedy Kalunga has reaffirmed Zambia’s readiness to strengthen commercial and diplomatic ties with Ethiopia in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, transport, and education. Speaking during the official opening of…

Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, Kennedy Kalunga has reaffirmed Zambia’s readiness to strengthen commercial and diplomatic ties with Ethiopia in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, transport, and education.

Speaking during the official opening of the Honourary Consulate of Ethiopia in Lusaka and the 2019 New Year celebrations for that Country, Mr Kalunga noted that the platform would facilitate investment partnerships, trade missions and stronger economic linkages.

He urged business communities from both Zambia and Ethiopia to seize the opportunities presented by the consulate, expressing confidence that its establishment would foster greater cooperation.

“The consulate will connect our people through cultural exchange, education partnerships, tourism promotion and people-to-people interaction,”Mr Kalunga stated.

Speaking at the same event, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Zambia and  Zimbabwe, who is also Permanent Representative to COMESA, Mohammed Rashid also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with Zambia.

Mr Rashid cited growing partnerships in aviation, trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange between the two Countries, such as the Ethiopian Airlines -Zambia Airways partnership as a practical example of expanding cooperation between the two countries.

“This is not only the opening of an office but the beginning of a new chapter of closer engagement with our community in Zambia,” he said.

Mr Rashid further highlighted the community’s role in shaping Ethiopia’s image abroad through business, professional and social engagement in strengthening relations with Zambia.

Earlier, Honourary Consul of Ethiopia to Zambia, Getenesh Aweke highlighted the new office will build a bridge for trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two Countries.

She explained that apart from providing a symbolic home that honours Zambia while representing Ethiopia, She added that the Consulate will also provide assistance to Ethiopians living in this country.

“This office has been established to serve, to connect, and to strengthen the friendship between our two countries,” she said.