In an interview with the French news agency (AFP), Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said that the idea of polarising the world into two blocs is a thing of the past and that it is time to diversify partnerships.
President Hakainde Hichilema indicated that the idea of being a puppet or being with or against China or the United States has no place in the current context.
Moreover, Hakainde Hichilema believes that the progress of the world requires states to work together, saying it is important to be part of regional organizations, wider African organizations, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations system.
Several Western countries such as France, the United States, and Britain praise Zambia’s good governance and see it as a promising partner on the continent, where other economic powers such as Russia and China are very active.
After the election of President Hakainde Hichilema in 2021, Zambia has improved its relations with international donors, after the country was over-indebted for six years under Edgar Lungu.
The president defended himself against critics by stating that he is nobody’s puppet and that any alliances he forms are for mutual benefit.
For him, “Partnerships are the way forward!”. Accordingly, the president recommends optimizing bilateral relations and economic diplomacy, which is an engine for creating investment opportunities that benefit citizens, countries, and Africa.