African Parliament hails Zambian president's visit to Egypt

CAIRO –15 November 2017: Political advisor of the African Parliament speaker and Egyptian MP Mostafa al-Gendy hailed the African talks held on Tuesday between President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and his Zambian counterpart Edgar Lungu at the Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo.

Gendy confirmed the importance of promoting bilateral relations with Zambia for the common good of both countries.

"Sisi took the necessary measures to enhance bilateral trading and encourage the common projects between the two countries in several economic fields," added Gendy.

"Egypt pays great attention to promoting relations with Zambia, especially after the increase of the Egyptian companies there in the fields of electricity, telecom and construction," Gendy explained.

Sisi stressed on further coordination and cooperation with Zambia to enhance African stability and security, especially when facing the same challenges that threaten the black continent.

Lungu expressed his delight with being in Cairo. “We had tight relations since 1964, as we cooperated in trade, sports, tourism, and other sectors,” the Zambian president said.


“We appreciate Egypt’s efforts in establishing peace and stability in Africa and the Middle East which has been reflected in its role through the Security Council, United Nations, and COMESSA,” Lungu stated.

Both parties signed three memoranda of understanding (MOUs) entailing cooperation in the sectors of tourism, trade, sports, and others.

The Zambian president’s visit to Egypt is the first visit in seven years. Egyptian-Zambian relations date back to the latter’s struggle for independence from the British colonization, which was finally achieved in 1964. Later on, mutual relations between Egypt and Zambia evolved on the political and economic scales.

In 2009, Egypt’s imports from Zambia reached $106.4 million, while its exports recorded $15.3 million. The top Egyptian exports to Zambia are electricity meters and parts, TV sets, electric cable, food products, juices, tires, medicines, medical products, cosmetics, paper products, textiles, carpets, paints, chemicals, construction materials, ceramics, and sanitary ware.

On the other hand, Zambia mainly exports to Egypt copper, tobacco, wood and wood products, according to the State Information Service. The last Zambian presidential visit to Egypt took place in December 2010 by former President Rupiah Banda who held talks with former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on ways to boost bilateral relations before the eruption of the January 25 Revolution.