Zambia, European Union reaffirm longstanding partnership

Zambia and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their longstanding partnership, underscoring shared commitments to democracy, rule of law, and economic cooperation. European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, has commended Zambia’s standing as a…

Zambia and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their longstanding partnership, underscoring shared commitments to democracy, rule of law, and economic cooperation.

European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, has commended Zambia’s standing as a beacon of democracy and encouraged both sides to maintain respect for the rule of law while advancing a forward-looking partnership.

This is according to a statement issued to the media in Lusaka by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at Zambia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Namatama Njekwa.

 Ms Njekwa revealed that the remarks were made during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81).

She noted that the EU reaffirmed its support for Zambia’s leadership in promoting multilateralism and the rules-based international order, while both parties agreed to deepen cooperation through investment, value addition, and initiatives aligned with the Grow Zambia Agenda.

She added that Mr Síkela highlighted Africa’s critical role in electric-vehicle battery and mineral value chains, with Zambia welcoming the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and development cooperation, including budget support of approximately EUR 110 million.

Ms Njekwa further stated that both sides emphasised that post-election developments should not detract from opportunities to strengthen economic ties.

She indicated that the meeting also reaffirmed collaboration on international peace and security, with both Zambia and the EU pledging to prioritise the consolidation of their partnership.