Mutolankani

ZAMBIA, GUYANA DEEPEN BILATERAL TIES THROUGH STRATEGIC MEDIA AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION
On the sides of the World Press Freedom Day Conference, the Minister within the office of the Prime Minister in Guyana in South America Mr. Mccoy Kwame paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson Hon.Cornelius Mweetwa MP
Below are the highlights:
MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA HON.CORNELIUS MWEETWA
✅️ Reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Cooperative Republic of Guyana following a courtesy call by a high-level delegation from the South American nation.
✅️ Described the decision to establish an embassy in Guyana, as a critical step towards consolidating long-standing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
✅️ Noted that while Zambia and Guyana have enjoyed warm ties for many years, the opening of a Zambian mission in Guyana signals a shift towards deeper engagement, particularly in economic cooperation and knowledge exchange.
✅️ Zambia is keen to leverage its presence in Guyana to enhance trade, investment, and sectoral collaboration, including in the information and media space.
GUYANESE MINISTER
✅️ Conveyed greetings from President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two nations.
✅️ Commended Zambia for establishing an embassy in Guyana and emphasized the need for countries to increasingly rely on each other through shared best practices, especially in governance and economic development.
✅️ Said Guyana is committed to deepening and sustaining our relationship with Zambia for mutual benefit.
✅️ Further noted similarities in governance systems and operational frameworks between the two countries, particularly within the information sector, and expressed interest in expanding collaboration through exchange programmes and technical cooperation.
✅️ The two sides also discussed opportunities to learn from each other’s local content policies, with Zambia expressing interest in Guyana’s advanced framework that promotes greater participation of citizens in economic activities linked to foreign investment.
✅️ The meeting further revealed plans for broader inter-ministerial engagements, with Guyana indicating that Ministers responsible for Education, Home Affairs, and Labour are expected to visit Zambia in the near future to strengthen cooperation across sectors.
✅️Reiterated that the growing partnership between Zambia and Guyana reflects a shared vision of advancing economic growth, safeguarding sovereignty, and fostering mutually beneficial relations.
✅️ The courtesy call marks another milestone in Zambia’s foreign policy agenda aimed at expanding international partnerships and promoting sustainable development through strategic alliances.

GOVT CONDEMN REMARKS MADE BY THE OUTGOING U.S AMBASSADOR
Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, held a press briefing outlining Government’s position over the remarks made by the outgoing US Ambassador
Highlights:
✅ Government has condemned remarks made by the outgoing United States Ambassador, describing them as a breach of diplomatic conduct and a misrepresentation of Zambia’s position.
✅ Stated that the Ambassador’s comments violated the spirit of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, particularly provisions that require diplomats to respect the laws of the host country and avoid interfering in internal affairs.
✅ Expressed concern that the issues raised by the envoy were not formally communicated through diplomatic channels, calling it a sign of disregard for established procedures.
✅ Clarified that Zambia’s relationship with the United States is not based on aid, but on mutual respect, shared values and strategic cooperation dating back to 1964.
✅ Stressed that the partnership has always been built on equality between the two nations.
✅ Dismissed claims that Zambia has been unresponsive, stating that the Ambassador was granted several high-level meetings, including with the President.
✅ Added that concerns raised had already been addressed through proper channels.
✅ Further explained that ongoing negotiations on a proposed health agreement have stalled due to clauses deemed unacceptable, particularly those relating to data sharing and privacy.
✅ Rejected pressure tied to a proposed Critical Minerals Agreement, insisting that Zambia will not accept terms that give preferential treatment to foreign companies.
✅ Emphasised that the country’s resources must benefit Zambians first and that all agreements must be considered independently.
✅ Highlighted increased funding to the health sector and a 30 percent budget rise, alongside broader economic gains.
✅ Reaffirmed Government’s commitment to sovereignty, warning that it will not accept narratives that undermine its institutions or leadership.
✅ Zambia remains open to constructive engagement with the United States and other partners, as long as relations are based on respect and non-interference.
✅ The Minister has since urged all diplomats to uphold professionalism and international standard