By Mubanga Mubanga
Russia’s Ambassador to Zambia Dr Azim Yarakhmedov says 2025 has not been an easy year for Zambia, but that the country had achieved much.
Reflecting on the year 2025 on the eve of 2026 in just under two weeks to go, Dr Yarakhmedov stated President Hichilema had worked tirelessly to strengthen the economy, attract investment and reduce debt.
“The outgoing year 2025 was not an easy one for Zambia and its people. Nevertheless, as a sincere friend of your country, I can say with confidence that Zambia has achieved much. Under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, the Government, Parliament, and regional authorities have worked tirelessly to strengthen the economy, attract investment, reduce debt, and improve the well-being of the Zambian people,” Dr Yarakhmedov stated in a media statement to Daily Revelation. “Despite political differences, all institutions have acted with a shared sense of responsibility toward the nation.”
He stated that the year 2026 would be especially important for Zambia as parliamentary and presidential elections will be held.
“I am confident that, despite differing views and debates, the elections will be conducted peacefully and successfully. Russia respects the sovereign will of the Zambian people and stands ready to continue developing our multifaceted cooperation with the newly elected President, Government, and Parliament,” Amb Yarakhmedov stated. “On this December day, as we welcome the New Year, I would like to wish the friendly people of Zambia prosperity, peace, and happiness. May God grant confidence in the future, and may all disputes be resolved peacefully, for the benefit of Zambia and future generations.”
He stated that it was a great honour for him on the eve of 2026 to extend new year greetings on his own and the Russian Embassy’s behalf.
“Russia and Zambia are friendly nations. Our warm relations date back to the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries, laid by the first President of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, and the leaders of the Soviet Union,” stated Dr Yarakhmedov. “For 61 years, our cooperation has continued to grow — sometimes at different speeds, yet always dynamically and with full respect for the unique character of each nation and each historical period.”
