The Israeli government has announced that it is set to open an embassy in Lusaka as part of its commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with Zambia.
Yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe received a call from his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar to confirm the development.
“Israel returns to Africa. Today, I have informed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia, Mulambo Haimbe, of my decision to open an Israeli embassy in Zambia,” Sa’ar announced in a statement released last evening.
Sa’ar described Zambia as a close ally and expressed hope that the move will enhance bilateral relations between the two countries as part of Israel’s agenda to form stronger ties with the rest of the African continent.
“Zambia is a friend of Israel and the opening of the embassy will improve relations between our countries. It is also part of a broader initiative to strengthen relations with countries in Africa, which is one of the strategic objectives of the foreign policy I have set for 2025,” he added.
Sa’ar further extended an invitation to his Zambian counterpart to visit Israel in a bid to further improve the diplomatic relations that have existed between the two countries since 1991.
