SUMMARY OF STATE VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA BY HIS EXCELLENCY MR. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU

PRETORIA – FRIDAY, 9TH DECEMBER, 2016 – At the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Edgar Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia, paid a State Visit to South Africa from 8 – 9th December, 2016.
Both Heads of State were accompanied by delegations of Ministers and Senior Government Officials. The visit was preceded by the inauguration of the Joint commission for Cooperation which took place in Pretoria on 7th December, 2016.
During the official talks, both Heads of State reviewed a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues.
They expressed satisfaction at the strong bilateral relations existing between the two countries, founded on long standing historical, political, economic and cultural ties.
The two leaders noted with appreciation the vast nature of the bilateral cooperation which includes, amongst others, trade and investment, energy, agriculture, mining, defence, health, education, correctional services and transport.
The two leaders further noted that 21 Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) have over the past years been signed between the two countries. They further emphasized the need to have them fully implemented and to consider the renewal of those that had lapsed as well as to expedite the finalization of pending agreements for signature.
They further reiterated the importance of ongoing economic cooperation between the two countries in terms of trade and investment, and expressed their satisfaction that the business sector of the two countries had met at the Business Forum to explore ways to further participate in the economies of the two countries. The Heads of State addressed the Business Forum and urged the private sector to increase economic cooperation between the two countries.
The two Heads of State exchanged views on the political and security situation in the region and the continent. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their commitment to working together in pursuit of sustainable peace and stability in the region. With regards to regional integration, they called for the implementation of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap.
The two leaders expressed their commitment to African unity and the implementation of the AU Agenda 2023 and its Action Plan.
The two leaders took note of the negative impact the current drought is causing within the region and pledged to work closely with the region and development partners to explore possible mitigation strategies.
His Excellency Zuma congratulated His Excellency Lungu for the successful, credible, free and fair general elections held on 11th August, 2016 and for him being re-elected as the President of the Republic of Zambia.
The two Heads of State reaffirmed their support for the SADC candidate for the post of the AU Commission Chairperson, Honourable Dr. Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, the current Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation of Botswana.
The two leaders also acknowledged the appointment of the new Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres.
The two Heads of State further their common view on the need for the reform of multilateral institutions particularly the Bretton Woods Institutions and the Security Council to include the interests of the developing countries.
His Excellency Lungu also congratulated South Africa for the peaceful and successful local elections held on 3rd August, 2016.
His Excellency Lungu further congratulated His Excellency Zuma for his election as the incoming Chair of SADC and reassured his country’s support during South Africa’s tenure to lead the regional organization.
His Excellency Lungu expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation and further extended an invitation to His Excellency Zuma visit Zambia during 2017 at a date to be mutually determined through diplomatic channels.

Bidding farewell as President Lungu ends his three-day State Visit and returns to Zambia on 9th December, 2016
Bidding farewell as President Lungu ends his three-day State Visit and returns to Zambia on 9th December, 2016

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Bidding farewell as President Lungu ends his three-day State Visit and returns to Zambia on 9th December, 2016
Bidding farewell as President Lungu ends his three-day State Visit and returns to Zambia on 9th December, 2016
Bidding farewell as President Lungu ends his three-day State Visit and returns to Zambia on 9th December, 2016
Bidding farewell as President Lungu ends his three-day State Visit and returns to Zambia on 9th December, 2016
Bidding farewell as President Lungu ends his three-day State Visit and returns to Zambia on 9th December, 2016
Bidding farewell as President Lungu ends his three-day State Visit and returns to Zambia on 9th December, 2016
Bidding farewell as President Lungu ends his three-day State Visit and returns to Zambia on 9th December, 2016
Bidding farewell as President Lungu ends his three-day State Visit and returns to Zambia on 9th December, 2016