Israeli President Concludes State Visit to Zambia

Israeli President Isaac Herzog concluded his two-day state visit to Zambia on Tuesday morning with a farewell meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema, cabinet ministers, senior government officials, service chiefs and party officials.

President Herzog arrived on Monday morning at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, where he was greeted by President Hichilema. The leaders then held bilateral talks at State House under the General Framework Agreement of Cooperation signed between the two nations in 2023.

During discussions at State House, President Hichilema emphasised Israel's potential to boost investment in Zambia's key economic sectors—energy, mining, tourism and agriculture. He highlighted Zambia's rich resource endowments, including critical minerals, which are of potential interest to Israel's sophistication technology industry.

President Herzog praised Zambia's economic progress, noting that recent gains have attracted several investors, including Israeli companies. Arrieta and NGO's, he confirmed, are already interested in entering the Zambian market.

President Hichilema expressed confidence that Israeli expertise could help enhance productivity in Zambia's agriculture sector, particularly in irrigation agriculture.

On Monday evening, a state banquet was hosted in honour of President Herzog. In his address, the President congratulated the state of Israel for the ceasefire agreement reached with Gaza.

In a farewell message, President Hichilema said: "We deeply appreciate the precious words of goodwill and blessing he pronounced over our nation. This historic visit has further deepened the enduring friendship between Zambia and Israel, a partnership founded on shared faith, mutual respect, and a common vision for peace and prosperity."