Zambia, Burundi Forge New Era of Cooperation
In a move aimed at bolstering regional ties, Zambia and Burundi signed six bilateral agreements on Thursday, promising to deepen cooperation in sectors ranging from agriculture to security.
The pacts were inked at State House in the Zambian capital after a tête-à-tête between President Hakainde Hichilema and his Burundian counterpart, Evariste Ndayishimiye.
“This is a new chapter in the long-standing relationship between our two countries,” Hichilema said. “We are committed to unlocking the full potential of our partnership for the benefit of our people.”
Key areas of cooperation include trade, agriculture, education, and security. The two nations will also establish embassies in each other’s capitals to enhance diplomatic relations.
“We believe that by working together, we can address common challenges and create shared opportunities,” Ndayishimiye said. “Our countries share similar aspirations, and we are determined to translate these into tangible results.”
Agriculture emerged as a focal point of the talks, with both leaders recognising the sector’s potential to drive economic growth and reduce poverty.
“We need to leverage our agricultural resources to create jobs and improve food security,” Hichilema said. “The Tanganyika Corridor offers immense potential for trade and investment, and we must capitalise on it.”
Ndayishimiye echoed these sentiments, adding that the two countries could learn from each other’s experiences in the sector. “We have a lot to offer each other in terms of technology, knowledge, and best practices,” he said.
The Burundian president is also scheduled to address the Zambian National Assembly on Friday and attend the country’s annual agriculture show. His visit is seen as a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
As Hichilema prepares to hand over the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) to Ndayishimiye in October, both leaders emphasised the importance of regional integration and cooperation.
