Zambia, Rwanda sign seven pacts

LUSAKA, Zambia

Rwanda has signed seven agreements with Zambia as the two countries seek to deepen bilateral relations. 

The signing ceremony was presided over by President Paul Kagame and his host, President Hakainde Hichilema. 

Kagame is in Zambia for a two-day visit.  

The agreements, the Presidency said, include cooperation in taxation, immigration and health. 

Others are on investment promotion, agriculture, fisheries and livestock.

“Zambia has signed 7 MoUs with Rwanda focussed on increasing investment, improving living standards & creating jobs for both our peoples through win-win partnerships,” tweeted Hichilema. 

“We’re getting on with job of delivering on Zambian people’s priorities,” he added. 

The signing ceremony followed different ceremonies including a tête-à-tête before both heads of state and a bilateral meeting with members of their delegations.

Rwanda’s delegation includes several cabinet ministers and heads of security organs. 

The two heads of state also toured Victoria Falls, a waterfall on the Zambezi River in Southern Africa that provides habitat for several unique species of plants and animals, and are expected to participate in a state banquet in honour of Kagame. 

According to the agenda, released by the office of the President, Kagame together with host President Hakainde and First Lady Mutinta Hakainde will visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to one half of the Mosi-oa-Tunya - ‘The Smoke Which Thunders’  - known worldwide as Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River.

They are also expected to conduct a guided tour of the Kazungula Bridge, a road and rail bridge over the Zambezi River between Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

To conclude his visit, Kagame’s last stop will be to the Kazungula One Stop Border Post. 

The seven agreements reached during Kagame’s visit come at a time both countries boast of cordial bilateral relations. 

Rwanda and Zambia have occasionally engaged in high-level consultations on issues of strategic importance to both, including on the United Nations and the African Union.

Growth of bilateral ties in leaps and bounds is further evidenced by an established Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation cutting across many sectors.