Lusaka, Zambia – Zambia and the Czech Republic have strengthened their long-standing partnership by signing two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on development cooperation and healthcare. The signing ceremony, held at Lusaka’s Charter House, underscores the commitment of both nations to work together for mutual benefit.
Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, Zambia’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, and His Excellency Mr. Pavel Procházka, Czech Republic’s Ambassador to Zambia, signed the agreements on behalf of their respective countries. Witnessing the ceremony was Mr. Miloš Vystrčil, Speaker of the Czech Senate, who reaffirmed Zambia’s status as a key partner for Czech development cooperation.
The MoU on development cooperation prioritizes agriculture and rural development, ensuring inclusive social programs, and strengthening public administration and civil society. This collaboration will involve joint development projects and technical assistance provided by the Czech Republic.
The healthcare MoU focuses on providing medical care to specific groups in Zambia, training medical personnel, and bolstering the country’s healthcare infrastructure. This initiative leverages MEDEVAC, a Czech government program coordinated by the Ministry of Interior.
Minister Haimbe hailed the agreements as a testament to the warm relations between Zambia and the Czech Republic, built on shared values and interests. He expressed gratitude for the Czech Republic’s ongoing support in various sectors, including agriculture, health, and education.
Mr. Vystrčil acknowledged Zambia’s vast development potential and reiterated its importance for Czech development efforts. He highlighted key areas of focus, including agriculture, rural development strategies to combat drought, social welfare programs, healthcare and nutrition initiatives, strengthening public administration, fostering sustainable development, and technology advancement.
The signing ceremony also extended the existing development cooperation MoU, originally established in 2017, for a further six years, from 2024 to 2030. Mr. Vystrčil indicated the Czech Republic’s willingness to undertake delegated projects under the European Union umbrella and explore additional avenues for collaboration within Zambia.
Further strengthening economic ties, Mr. Vystrčil revealed the presence of a Czech business delegation participating in the upcoming EU-Zambia Business Forum scheduled for April 10th to 12th in Kitwe. This forum aims to foster partnerships within the copper value chain and explore possibilities for value addition in Zambia’s copper sector.
The Speaker’s visit to Zambia also included meetings with President Hakainde Hichilema and National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Ms. Nelly Mutti, solidifying the commitment to a strong and mutually beneficial partnership between the two nations.