Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, The Right Honourable Nelly B. K Mutti, SC, MP, FAPRA, has welcomed the call by the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Speaking during a courtesy meeting, on Monday 17^th March 2025, at Parliament Buildings, Speaker Mutti stated that the relationship between Zambia and Egypt has been strong since 1964, built on shared values and friendship.

She said it is important to continue strenghthening cooperation in areas such as trade, economic development and investment, especially that both countries are members of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Speaker Mutti further called for the promotion of human rights and social equality.

And Her Excellency Ambassador Essam reiterated Egypt’s commitment to deepening its relations with Zambia and expressed strong support for the creation of the Egypt - Zambia Parliamentary Friendship Group.

She said parliamentary diplomacy is important in complementing executive diplomacy and that both are essential for strengthening relations between nations. The Ambassador also stated that Parliaments play an important role in shaping  government realtions and ensuring that the interests of the people are represented.

Ambassador Essam also addressed Egypt’s interest in the Lobito Corridor project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving trade and transport links in Zambia. She said the project would bring mutual benefits and help achieve shared goals for both countries.

Ambassador Essam further spoke about Egypt’s initiatives to promote human rights, particularly the Decent Life Initiative and the New Beginning Initiative programs which focus on supporting vulnerable groups such as women, youth, children and people with disabilities.