Zambia and Japan have reaffirmed their longstanding bilateral relations through the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on the Promotion and Protection of Investment and the establishment of a Policy Dialogue Mechanism.
Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, states the importance of enhancing cooperation with Zambia to uphold a free and open international order, based on the rule of law.
ZANIS reports that the Prime Minister said this at his office in Tokyo, Japan, during a bilateral summit meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema and his delegation.
Mr Ishiba expressed Japan’s commitment to working closely with President Hichilema to co-create solutions for Africa’s challenges as well as global challenges.
“We would like to continue to strengthen our bilateral relations and cooperation in a multilateral force,” Mr Ishiba said.
The Prime minister has since invited the President to attend the Tokyo International Conference on African Development 9 (TICAD-9) to be held in August 2025.
He further extended an invitation to Zambia to participate in the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 which will be held in April.
Mr Ishiba explained that it will be a good platform to showcase Zambia’s appeals and strengthen ties and further collaboration with Japanese companies.
And the Prime Minister committed to furthering cooperation in mineral resources with Zambia as the country is endowed with abundant critical minerals essential to Japan’s manufacturing industry.
He further commended Zambia for reaching an agreement on the debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework.
President Hichilema conveyed gratitude for Japan’s support since Zambia’s independence, recalling Japan’s contributions to sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and mining.
He particularly acknowledged Japan’s support in establishing the School of Veterinary Services at the University of Zambia.
“We offer our gratitude to these long-standing relations in areas such as health, education, agriculture and mining. As a graduate student at the University of Zambia, I do remember the School of Veterinary Services was supported by Japan, up until now. We appreciate that,” President Hichilema said.
The signing of the Bilateral Investment Treaty and the Promotion and Protection of Investment Agreement signifies a commitment to strengthening economic ties.
The agreements aim to foster stable and transparent conditions for investment, recognising the role of liberalisation in economic growth.
And the Memorandum on Policy Dialogue Mechanism, signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe and Japanese Ambassador to Zambia, Takeuchi Kazuyuki, will facilitate regular political consultations and cooperation in areas such as politics, economy, education, culture, technology, and science.
On the other hand, the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, signed by Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga, and Japanese Ambassador Takeuchi, aims to create favourable conditions for increased investment between the two nations, promoting mutual prosperity.
