Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, emphasized the need for enhanced strategic communication and policy alignment with China to effectively implement the nine programs outlined by China during the eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in November 2021.
Mwiimbu’s visit to China follows President Hakainde Hichilema’s state visit aimed at bilateral discussions with President Xi Jinping. During a meeting with Wang Xiaohong, China’s Minister of Public Security, Mwiimbu highlighted China’s commitment to collaborating closely with African nations, including Zambia, as conveyed during the FOCAC Ministerial Conference.
He recalled the pledge made by the President of China to collaborate with African countries, including Zambia, and mentioned that China had provided an initial grant of RMB 100 million (approximately USD 15 million) for mutually agreed-upon projects between the two nations.
Regarding ongoing discussions, Mwiimbu mentioned Zambia’s deliberation on a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China for mutual visa exemption for Diplomatic and Service passport holders.
Expressing Zambia’s interest in expanding cooperation, Mwiimbu outlined various areas for collaboration, including capacity building in asset tracing, digital forensics, cybercrime investigation, anti-terrorism measures, and immigration. He also emphasized the need for cooperation in acquiring essential equipment such as communication interception tools, body scanners, digital forensic investigation tools, mobile geo-tracking equipment, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The statement was issued by Catherine Kashoti, the second secretary of communications at the Zambian Embassy in China.
