On October 24, 2020, the Embassy of Zambia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrated Zambia’s 56th Independence Anniversary. The holiday has been celebrated under the theme “One Land, One Nation – Building the Future Proud and Free.” The Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Ibrahim Mumba, sent a celebratory note to mark this special occasion and to congratulate Zambians living in the Kingdom and abroad.
Ambassador Mumba conveyed warm greetings and congratulations to the President of Zambia Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu. In 2020, the Independence Anniversary has been celebrated at a time of global health, economic and social crises due to COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, Ambassador Mumba, in his message, appreciated the Governments of Zambia and Saudi Arabia, as well as all international organizations, for the highly professional precautions aimed at reducing the adverse outcomes of COVID-19.
Further, in his note, His Excellency Mumba highlighted that since the re-opening of the Zambian Embassy in Riyadh in 2013, the two countries’ representatives have continued to work diligently to maintain the shared values, thus enhancing cooperation between Zambia and Saudi Arabia.
One of the milestone evidences of this productive collaboration was the state visit of the President of Zambia, Dr. Edgar Lungu to the Kingdom in 2016. During this visit, Zambia and Saudi Arabia agreed to negotiate and sign a Bilateral Trade Agreement to facilitate unified trade and a Bilateral Investment Treaty to facilitate investment. In addition, this visit led to signing two important agreements: 1) a $100 million deal to build the King Salman Specialist Hospital; 2) a $5 million export program agreement with the Saudi Export Program.
Recalling the Saudi-Zambian diplomatic ties and mutual trust, His Excellency Ambassador Mumba extended his appreciation to The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for promoting a favorable environment to maintain excellent collaborative and result-oriented relations between the two nations.
The social, diplomatic, and worldwide cooperation of two countries, including the United Nations, is evidence of joint goals towards peace and prosperity. Even though the two countries’ relationship was formalized only half a decade ago, it has been enduring for more than forty-five years. The establishment of the Embassy has accelerated the procedures necessary to complete the bilateral agreements. It has also helped to establish a clear sense of cooperation and bring a vision for the future. The expectations of the two sides have reached a clear harmony. The economic cooperation has sought to promote mutual opportunities for large, medium, and small-scale businesses across the various sectors, including agriculture.
“Zambian embassy employees are committed to sharing the very best of Zambia every day, among other things, demonstrating integrity through mutual respect and exploring the cultural diversity of the two countries,” underpinned the Ambassador.
Ambassador of Zambia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia His Excellency Ibrahim Mumba and Mr. Amin Hassan Nasser, the President and CEO of Saudi Aramco.
Reflecting on Zambia’s development and achievements over these 56 years, Ambassador Mumba noted that Zambia and its people have witnessed tremendous social and political transformations, thereby embracing the principles of democracy with greater political maturity. The most striking result of these changes is that the vast experience of democracy has created the appropriate conditions for the successful presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections. Note: new elections in Zambia are scheduled for August 2021.
Moreover, various essential reform programs have significantly advanced the productivity and competitiveness of the Zambian national economy. Thus, currently, Zambia is considered to be an excellent destination for foreign investment, specifically the tourism sector. It is of high importance to mention that Zambia remains the pearl of tourism in Africa.
His Excellency Ibrahim Mumba concluded his message by wishing all Zambians a happy Independence Day, reaffirming the commitment of the Government of Zambia to strengthen the existing relationship between the Republic of Zambia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Zambian government and embassy aspire to work in the same welcoming environment with Saudi Arabia and expand bilateral relations to the level of business-to-business and people-to-people collaboration.
“I thank you, my Saudi brothers and sisters, for your continued friendship and partnerships. The Embassy of Zambia will continue to be committed to guiding principles and objectives of the Zambian government for the future,” concluded His Excellency Ambassador Mumba.
