During a recent official visit to the United Arab Emirates, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema engaged in discussions with Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi regarding the expansion of partnerships between the two governments. The focus of their talks was on exchanging knowledge and expertise to enhance government operations in Zambia by leveraging the successful experiences of the UAE government.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
President Hichilema expressed Zambia’s commitment to further developing its distinguished bilateral relations with the UAE. He highlighted the intention to explore new avenues for collaboration between the two nations in shared areas of interest. Emphasising the importance of knowledge exchange, Hichilema commended the two countries’ relationship, which has flourished for over five decades.
Enhancing Government Efficiency Through Collaboration
During the meeting, Al Gergawi reiterated that the UAE leadership advocates for constructive collaboration and knowledge sharing with countries worldwide. He underscored the UAE’s dedication to expanding cooperation with Zambia and sharing the expertise and best practices that have been instrumental in enhancing the UAE’s government operations.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The discussions touched upon various pathways for cooperation, including the exchange of experiences, and the adoption of best practices in governance. A significant emphasis was placed on how Zambia could benefit from the UAE’s experiences in government service development, digital transformation, and capacity building in the public sector. The leaders also explored methodologies such as governmental accelerators and reducing bureaucracy.
Furthermore, there was a keen interest in opportunities for collaboration in building national capacities in the field of artificial intelligence, which reflects a forward-looking approach to governance in both countries.
This meeting not only highlighted the existing strong ties between Zambia and the UAE but also set the stage for future initiatives aimed at modernising government functions and preparing for upcoming challenges, ultimately benefiting both nations’ societies.