President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia and his Burundian counterpart, President Evariste Ndayishimiye, have lauded their strong bilateral relations, emphasizing the success of Ndayishimiye’s state visit to Lusaka. This visit underscores the mutual desire to enhance cooperation between the two nations.
The state visit followed the Fifth Session of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC), held in Lusaka from June 12 to 14, 2024. According to a joint communique issued at the conclusion of the visit, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the JPCC meeting. Key developments include the implementation of agreements on general cooperation, diplomatic and political consultations, and a MoU on visa waivers and travel procedures for holders of diplomatic passports.
Both Presidents instructed their respective services to negotiate the extension of visa waivers to other passport types, facilitating freer movement between the two countries. Their high-level talks on August 1, 2024, addressed various bilateral, regional, and international issues, highlighting a shared history of struggle for independence from colonial rule.
At the bilateral level, Presidents Hichilema and Ndayishimiye reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in multiple sectors, including transport, infrastructure, trade, investment, education, fisheries, livestock, environment, agriculture, and mining. President Hichilema noted Burundi’s significance as an export destination for Zambia, with an average export volume of USD 25.05 million over the past five years.
Source: Lusakatimes
In other news – Simone Biles seeks to extend Olympic gold rush
Simone Biles is targeting two more Olympic golds on Monday to crown a historic Games in Paris as pole vault king Armand Duplantis aims for yet another world record.
Biles, widely considered the greatest gymnast in history, can end all debate if she triumphs in the balance beam and floor exercises at the Bercy Arena. Read more
