Zambia and Burundi have signed six bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture and security.
The agreements were formalized at State House in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, following official talks between Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye.
The agreements cover several areas: boosting commercial ties, improving social welfare and child development, advancing agricultural research, and fostering collaboration between the University of Zambia and the University of Burundi.
They also include provisions for extraditing fugitives, as well as joint efforts in fisheries and livestock management.
During their discussions, Hichilema and Ndayishimiye emphasised strengthening trade and investment opportunities and expanding regional connections.
Hichilema highlighted the importance of better utilising the Tanganyika Corridor to enhance trade and connectivity between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Great Lakes region.
As the current chair of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Hichilema will transfer this role to Ndayishimiye in October.
Ndayishimiye, who is visiting Zambia for three days at Hichilema’s invitation, advocated for increased cooperation in agriculture and mining to leverage their countries’ rich natural resources for mutual benefit.
During his visit, he will address the Zambian National Assembly and attend the 96th Agriculture and Commercial Show on Saturday.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Why are Tunisian opposition, human rights groups accusing authorities of intimidation ahead of President Saied’s re-election