Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met with Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka. Zambia's Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe also participated in the meeting. The meeting took place during Minister Sa'ar's diplomatic visit to Zambia, during which he opened the Israeli embassy in Zambia. During the meeting, the two discussed deepening bilateral relations between the two countries, and they also discussed the war in Gaza.
Minister Sa'ar thanked the President for reopening relations with Israel: "I want to thank you President Hakainde Hichilema for your friendship with Israel and for this meeting. With your leadership and moral vision - you stand out today as one of the most esteemed and respected African and world leaders. You demonstrate leadership based on values. It is an honor to be in Lusaka and open Israel's embassy."
He noted that the return of relations with Zambia had been in the making for some time. "Yesterday's ceremony was very moving. I know you raised the idea to open an embassy in your visit to Israel in 2023. We listened - and we did it. And now we bring greetings from Jerusalem. It is the beginning of a new chapter between our nations. An alliance of believers in ancient traditions, based on the Bible."
"Opening our embassy here will strengthen bilateral relations and our strategic engagement with Africa. Zambia always had and has a place in our heart since its establishment over 60 years ago."
Sa'ar announced Israel's plans to help Zambia: "Israel is a small nation with many challenges - but we are committed to sharing our knowledge and capabilities with friends like Zambia. We are establishing a trauma and emergency unit in a hospital in Livingston. And each year, we train hundreds of Zambians in agriculture, water management and food security. And I believe that in that way, we are having a part in Zambia's future successes."
He also explained that the goal was more than just cooperation between two nations. "Strengthening our engagement with the African continent's countries is part of my strategic goals for the Foreign Ministry in 2025, and opening our embassy here in Zambia is one of the cornerstones."