Hichilema Urges Zimbabwe, Zambia To Honour Shared Liberation Legacy

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has urged Zimbabwe and Zambia to reconnect with their shared liberation roots and continue the unfinished work of their founding nationalists.

Speaking at the inaugural Zimbabwe–Zambia Bi-National Commission (BNC) at the Harare International Conference Centre on Friday, 14 November, President Hichilema said:

“Our shared identity, our solidarity, our deep bones are just beginning to grow stronger and stronger.

“We need to walk the path that those who came before walked in our relationship, and I call the people of Zimbabwe, the people of Zambia, at a people-to-people level to continue deepening this partnership.

“Governments are drawn from families; that’s where we were elected into office, and the strength of our partnership should be anchored at the family levels.”

Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and President Hichilema co-chaired the Zimbabwe–Zambia Bi-National Commission, marking the elevation of relations from the long-standing Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation.

President Hichilema described the upgrade from the Joint Permanent Commission to the Bi-National Commission as a commendable development that will further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. He said:

“Zimbabwe and Zambia have been together pre-independence. If you look at the historic sites in Zimbabwe and trade routes at that time in the Stone Age era, in the Iron Age era, you will see the routes from here crossing the river in Chirundu in a place called Ing’ombe Ilede. Our people traded, lived together, and raised families together.

“This upgrade from the joint Permanent Commission to the Bi-National Commission is a commendable development as we continue nurturing our relationship.”

President Hichilema also commended Zimbabwe’s progress in the mining sector, particularly its rapid growth in lithium production. He suggested that while other countries are imposing tariffs, Zambia and Zimbabwe should consider removing theirs.

He called for increased joint investment in business between the two countries and the removal of all barriers to cross-border trade.

President Hichilema further encouraged continued cooperation between the two nations’ security forces to maintain the peaceful environment that has prevailed, providing a conducive setting for trade and economic growth.

More: ZBC News