President Hichilema to Participate in Virtual SADC Extraordinary Summit

President Hakainde Hichilema is today scheduled to participate in the Virtual Extraordinary Summit of Southern African Development Community Heads of State and Government.

In a statement, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe said the summit will be chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is the Interim Chairperson of SADC.

Mr Haimbe said the summit will be preceded by meetings of the Extraordinary Committee of Senior Officials and the Extraordinary Council of Ministers, which are expected to prepare and consolidate reports for consideration by Heads of State and Government.

He said the summit will, among other matters, consider the report of the SADC fact-finding mission on the political situation in the Republic of Madagascar.

The virtual gathering comes at a time when the region faces various political and security challenges requiring coordinated responses from member states.

Mr Haimbe reaffirmed Zambia's commitment to regional cooperation and integration through established SADC frameworks.

"Zambia reaffirms its commitment to regional cooperation, integration and collective efforts through established SADC frameworks aimed at advancing regional peace, security and stability, as well as the shared aspiration for sustainable development in the SADC region," he stated.

The summit reflects SADC's continued focus on addressing political developments affecting member states and maintaining regional stability through dialogue and collective action.