Lusaka, Zambia – South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, and her Zambian counterpart, Stanley Kakubo, have held political consultations in Pretoria, reaffirming their commitment to regional integration.
In her opening remarks, Minister Pandor shared a brief history of the two countries’ close ties, noting the noble gesture by the National Heritage Conservation Commission of Zambia to restore and renovate the Oliver Tambo Heritage House.
She said that South Africa and Zambia remain strategic partners not only because of their historic ties but also because of their shared vision to foster a stable, cohesive, integrated, and prosperous Southern African region that contributes towards the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The two ministers discussed a wide range of issues, including bilateral cooperation, regional integration, and global governance. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, tourism, and infrastructure development.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to the AfCFTA, which they said has the potential to transform the African continent.
Minister Pandor said that the AfCFTA is a critical tool for Africa’s economic development and that South Africa is committed to working with other African countries to ensure its success.
The two ministers also discussed the importance of peace and security in the region. They expressed their concern about the ongoing conflicts in some parts of Africa and called for peaceful resolutions.
The political consultations between South Africa and Zambia are a regular feature of the two countries’ close bilateral relationship.
