President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to travel to Doha, Qatar to participate at the fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Development Countries (LDC5) slated to take place from 5th to 9th March, 2023.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stanly Kakubo says President Hichilema will join other LDC Heads of State and Government at the meeting which will be convened to among other issues, mobilise additional support measures and action in favour of
least development countries.
Mr Kakubo indicated that the Conference will also agree on a renewed partnership between LDCs and their development partners to overcome structural challenges, eradicate poverty, achieve internationally agreed development goals and enable graduation from the LDC category.
He added that while in Doha, the President is also scheduled to hold meetings with the Amir of Qatar, the Head of State, as well as key investment players of that country, in his continued unrelenting efforts to attract investments in Zambia’s key economic sectors such as agriculture, energy, transport, infrastructure and industry.
“”On the sidelines of the Conference, President Hichilema will be a key panelist at the Inaugural Summit whose theme is: Sustainability Pathways for Hot and Arid Environments,” Mr Kakubo said.
He further explained that during the Summit which will convene global, regional and local policymakers and business leaders, the President will make a case for Zambia on Agriculture and Food Security to attract investment in the sector and secure export market for Zambia’s agriculture produce into Qatar and the wider Middle East.
“The Conference will also have side Forums for the private sector, civil society, Parliamentarians and the youth, in a bid to raise new pledges of support, advance new ideas, spur delivery on agreed commitments, including the announcement of specific initiatives aimed at addressing challenges affecting the LDCs,” Mr Kakubo said.
Mr Kakubo added that President Hichilema’s participation in the LDC5 Conference is critical because as it will enable the country to benefit from the existing global partnerships, international support and available financial and investment opportunities to help turn around the country’s economy.
He said the President is expected to return to Zambia immediately after his engagements.
This is contained in statement availed to ZANIS in Lusaka today.