PRESIDENT HICHILEMA TO UNDERTAKE A WORKING VISIT TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.
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Republic of Zambia
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA TO UNDERTAKE A WORKING VISIT TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to inform the nation that, at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, will undertake a Working Visit to the UAE from 29th to 30th September 2026.
The visit underscores Zambia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the UAE and is aligned with the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda, focusing on attracting investment, promoting private sector-led growth, advancing value addition and industrial development, expanding economic opportunities and supporting sustainable national development. It also offers a strategic opportunity to review progress on agreed bilateral commitments, address outstanding implementation gaps and reinvigorate cooperation across priority sectors.
During the visit, President Hichilema and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will hold an Official Bilateral Meeting to discuss matters of mutual interest, culminating in the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries. These engagements are expected to help translate existing bilateral commitments into tangible investments, partnerships and development outcomes.
In particular, the visit will advance investment and joint ventures in priority sectors, including mining and mineral value addition, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, transport and logistics, tourism and healthcare. It will also promote trade facilitation, including efforts to conclude negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and strengthen institutional cooperation and connectivity to unlock investment, create jobs, drive
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industrialisation and expand economic opportunities under the Grow Zambia Agenda.
Other highlights of the visit include the Zambia-UAE Business and Investment Forum, a Presidential engagement with UAE business leaders and a meeting with the Zambian community in the UAE, all of which will provide platforms to strengthen private sector partnerships and boost investment and trade.
Zambia and the UAE enjoy longstanding and cordial bilateral relations, underpinned by growing cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy and tourism. Over the years, the relationship has evolved from diplomatic engagement into a broader economic partnership, providing a strong foundation for further cooperation.
This deepening partnership is reflected in Zambia’s opening of an Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 2023 and the UAE’s deployment of its first resident Ambassador to Zambia in September 2026, both important milestones in strengthening direct diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
President Hichilema will return to Zambia at the conclusion of his engagements.
(Original signed)
Hon. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, M.P
ACTING MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
LUSAKA
27.09.26