Zambia Participates in Opening of 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda, Angola
By Lydia Makina
Zambia – Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, S.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has today 24th November 2025, attended the official opening of the 7th African Union–European Union (AU–EU) Summit in Luanda, Republic of Angola.
Hon. Haimbe is representing Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, at the high-level summit, which brings together African and European leaders to strengthen strategic cooperation in areas such as peace and security, climate resilience, economic development, and global governance.
The Minister was accompanied by His Excellency Rev. Dr. Elias Munshya, Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the Republic of Angola; Mr. Tom Michelo, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Zambia to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; and other senior government officials.
During the opening session, key speakers including Her Excellency Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; His Excellency João Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union; His Excellency Antonia Costa, President of the European Council; and His Excellency António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, called for stronger trade and investment partnerships between Africa and the European Union.
Her Excellency von der Leyen emphasized the strategic importance of infrastructure development such as the Lobito Corridor, which will play a critical role in facilitating the trade of minerals from Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and boosting agricultural exports from Africa to Europe for mutual economic benefit.
President Lourenço, in his capacity as Chairperson of the African Union, stressed the need for sustainable peace on the continent, empowerment of women and youth, and ensuring Africa’s voice is heard on equal footing at global platforms.
His Excellency Antonia Costa reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to being a credible and dependable partner to Africa, while Secretary-General Guterres called for increased flexibility and support for Africa-led peacebuilding initiatives.
On the margins of the session, Hon. Haimbe held a Bilateral Meeting with Her Excellency Ms. Liisa-Ly Pakosta Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Estonia. The discussions centered on Zambia and Estonia partnership in the area of digitalization.
Hon. Haimbe also interacted with leaders and dignitaries from Africa and Europe as a part of Zambia’s efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and advance national interests abroad.
Zambia’s participation in the 7th AU–EU Summit underscores its steadfast commitment to African-led development, regional integration, multilateralism, and proactive engagement on the global stage.
