Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský discussed economic cooperation and visited development projects in Zambia

"Czechia has Zambia as one of the priority countries for development cooperation, we are doing projects in the more remote provinces, mainly focused on agriculture and crop processing. We are visible here, which creates a good basis for building further relations," Minister Lipavský said.

In the capital Lusaka, the Minister first met his counterpart, with whom he spoke specifically about deepening economic cooperation. The meeting was followed by a visit to President Hichilema, with whom the head of Czech diplomacy discussed development cooperation for the next period, Czech assistance in the field of health care and the African continent's position on Russian aggression against Ukraine.

"Zambia's position is very principled in international relations. The aim of the meeting is not to tell them what to think, but to explain our Czech position. A strong argument is the UN Charter and the fact that borders must not be changed by force. This is decisive for every state," Minister Lipavský summarised.

In the presence of Health Minister Sylvia Masebo, Lipavský then officially handed over to the Mother and Child Hospital gynaecological and obstetric medical equipment provided by Czech companies from the Association of Manufacturers and Suppliers of Medical Devices.

"I am convinced that this equipment will serve well here for many years. Czech manufacturers are interested in moving cooperation beyond development aid. They are ready to respond to any demand, whether public or private," Minister Lipavský told the hospital staff present.

As in Angola, a group of businessmen accompanied the delegation to Zambia. Minister Lipavský, together with the Zambian Minister of Trade, Chipoke Mulenga, opened the Czech-Zambian Business Forum, which represented a great opportunity for both sides to network with each other.

After moving to Livingstone on Thursday, the Minister visited two Czech projects - first he opened a seminar for human rights defenders and then he visited a natural oil mill, which is being implemented within the framework of foreign development cooperation. The project is run by a Czech-Zambia couple, which emphasises the employment of local women.

"That is why the Czech government decided to support the project. It is a good job opportunity with a stable income. The pressing plant contributes to the protection and restoration of the environment and raises awareness in the local community about the benefits of wild fruits and berries, which represent suitable nutrition for the local population," Minister Lipavský noted.

The agenda concluded with a working meeting with the Minister for Southern Province, Cornelius Mweetwa and the Minister for Tourism, Rhodine Sikumba.