Zambia Hosts the 5th Session of the Zambia-Burundi Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation.

The 5th Session of the Zambia-Burundi Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) of Cooperation took place from 12th to 14th June, 2024, in Lusaka.

The JPC was aimed at reviewing and strengthening cooperation between the two countries in areas such as Mining, Agriculture and Fisheries, Green Economy and Environment, Tourism, Trade, Customs, Defence and Security, Immigration, Transport, Water Development, Education, Science, Youth and Sport and Gender, among others.

The Ministerial Session of the JPC was co-Chaired by Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, M.P, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Zambia and His Excellency Ambassador Albert Shingiro, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi. In attendance was Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary – International Relations and Cooperation and other senior Government officials.

The two countries signed five agreements namely; General Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Zambia and the Republic of Burundi; Memorandum of Understanding on Diplomatic and Political Consultations between the Republic of Zambia and the Republic of Burundi; Memorandum of Understanding on Gender and Women Empowerment between the Republic of Zambia and Republic of Burundi; Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and the Burundi Agency of Development, and the Agreement on Visa Waiver for holders of Diplomatic Passports.

During the closing ceremony, Hon. Haimbe noted the need for both Zambia and Burundi to fully implement the agreed areas of cooperation and signed agreements to benefit from the intended outcomes of the JPC.

The Minister commended the senior officials for their efforts to set timeframes and targets to ensure timely and efficient implementation of agreed areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Hon. Haimbe expressed optimism that the decisions reached will further consolidate the fraternal relations between Zambia and Burundi, and lay a strong foundation for the common dream of deeper integration.

The Minister noted that the JPC had met its obligation of enhancing cooperation in various fields of mutual interest and benefit. Hon. Haimbe reiterated the Zambian Government’s commitment to consolidate and strengthen further the existing relations and cooperation with the Republic of Burundi.

In his remarks, Amb. Shingiro emphasized the need for the two countries to expedite and fully implement the signed Agreements in addition to the existing ones.

The Minister noted that Zambia and Burundi share the same principles and values of upholding democracy, freedom, human rights, peace and security, international justice and acceleration of social and economic development for the benefit of the people. Amb. Shingiro reaffirmed the full commitment of Burundi to strengthen and deepen bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries based on mutual trust and African solidarity.

The Minister stated that Burundi attaches great importance to its ties of friendship with Zambia and pledged to maintain the momentum.

The Republic of Burundi will host the 6th Session of the JPC in 2026.