President Hakainde Hichilema has met with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi as Zambia seeks to deepen its bilateral relations and cooperation with the Gulf state.
President Hichilema shared details of the meeting in a statement, describing the engagement as an opportunity to strengthen relations between Zambia and the UAE for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
According to President Hichilema, Zambia and the UAE have in recent years continued to strengthen their relationship, including through the opening of diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals.
The President said discussions with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed focused on deepening the bilateral relationship and advancing areas of cooperation as Zambia implements its Grow Zambia Agenda.
The meeting forms part of President Hichilema’s working visit to the UAE, which is focused on high-level bilateral engagements, investment and business discussions. The visit was undertaken at the invitation of the UAE President.
President Hichilema has previously highlighted the importance of international partnerships and inward investment to Zambia’s economic development strategy.
Looking for the latest sports odds and markets? Check them out here.
During the UAE visit, he has also engaged business and investment leaders, with the Zambian Government seeking to attract investment and promote private-sector-led growth, value addition and industrial development.
The President said Zambia’s relationship with the UAE remains strategically important as the country works to implement its economic development priorities.
The two countries have increasingly sought to expand cooperation beyond diplomatic relations, with investment, trade and economic partnerships forming an important part of the engagement.
The President also used the meeting to convey Zambia’s condolences to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the people of the UAE following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The UAE Presidential Media Office confirmed that Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum had died and that UAE leaders had offered condolences to his family and relatives.
President Hichilema’s UAE engagement comes shortly after Zambia’s 2026 general election and represents one of his early international engagements following his renewed mandate. The Times of Zambia reported that the visit was intended to consolidate bilateral trade and investment cooperation between Zambia and the UAE.
The broader discussions in Abu Dhabi are expected to keep investment, trade and economic cooperation high on the agenda as Zambia seeks to attract more capital and expand opportunities for private-sector growth.
For Zambia, the UAE relationship provides an avenue for engagement with one of the Middle East’s major commercial and investment centres, while the Zambian Government continues to promote the country as an investment destination.
President Hichilema said the discussions were aimed at ensuring that the relationship between the two countries continues to deliver benefits for their respective people.
🚨 DON’T MISS OUT — REGISTER HERE! Join thousands of sports fans exploring today’s betting markets and give yourself a chance to be among the winners. 18+ | Terms and conditions apply | Gamble responsibly.
