The Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Rt Honourable Nelly B.K. Mutti, SC, FAPRA, MP, has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to deepening ties with the State of Israel following a courtesy call by Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gideon Sa’ar, at Parliament Buildings in Lusaka on Wednesday, 20^th August 2025.

Welcoming the visiting Minister, Speaker Mutti congratulated the Government and the people of Israel on the Official Opening of a Resident Embassy in Lusaka, describing it as, “A testament to the growing friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.”

She noted that Zambia and Israel have enjoyed decades of warm and mutually beneficial relations, particularly in the fields of Agriculture, Water Resource Management, Health, and Education. These historical bonds provide a solid foundation for further cooperation.

The Speaker recalled several high-level exchanges that have strengthened bilateral ties in recent years. These include President Hakainde Hichilema’s visit to Israel in 2023, where He held discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on enhancing Agricultural and Economic collaboration.

Speaker Mutti stated that earlier this year, Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, MP, also visited Jerusalem and held talks with Minister Sa’ar on shared priorities such as Agriculture, Food Security and Healthcare Support, including the establishment of a Trauma Unit in Livingstone.

She further noted that President Hichilema’s participation in the 2025 American Jewish Committee (AJC) Global Forum in New York elevated Zambia’s role in the growing trilateral alliance among Africa, Israel, and the United States. Zambia has also been earmarked as a potential host of the second AJC Agritech Summit.

Madam Speaker acknowledged that while there has historically been limited engagement between the National Assembly of Zambia and the Knesset, progress was being made through the Zambia–Israel Allies Parliamentary Caucus (ZIAPC), established in 2018 to unify the two institutions. She said the Caucus demonstrated Zambia’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Israel.

In his remarks, Minister Sa’ar emphasised that the reopening of Israel’s Embassy in Lusaka after 52 years signified a renewed era of friendship, noting that Zambia was chosen because of its long-standing ties and shared values as a nation of believers.

He further pledged to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy by establishing an Israel–Zambia Parliamentary Friendship Group to complement the Zambia–Israel Allies Parliamentary Caucus. Minister Sa’ar also underscored ongoing cooperation in agriculture and health, highlighting the internship programme for Zambian students and the upcoming Trauma Unit in Livingstone as practical examples of Israel’s support.

In her concluding remarks, Speaker Mutti expressed confidence that the establishment of Israel’s Resident Embassy in Zambia would usher in a new era of strengthened partnership and mutual prosperity between the two countries. She requested that Minister Sa’ar convey Her warm greetings to the Speaker of the Knesset, as well as to the Government and people of Israel.