By Mubanga Mubanga
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation minister Mulambo Haimbe is expected to engage in bilateral meetings with the Turkish Aerospace to explore opportunities for enhancing defence and aviation capabilities.
Haimbe will also engage the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) to expand development cooperation between Zambia and Türkiye.
Haimbe will engage in those meetings on the sidelines of the 2025 Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), a platform that convenes global leaders, policy makers, diplomats, and investors to discuss collective solutions to today’s pressing global challenges
Haimbe is leading the Zambian delegation at the forum, where he emphasised the country’s strategic priority to leverage economic diplomacy as a tool for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
In his address at the Forum, Haimbe highlighted Zambia’s steadfast support for regional solidarity through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), while advocating for a stronger African voice in shaping global governance frameworks.
“As a peace-loving nation, Zambia believes in inclusive dialogue, equitable international systems, and partnerships that deliver tangible and lasting development outcomes,” First Secretary (Press) at Zambia’s Embassy in Türkiye Pamela Nkeete-Ng’andu stated in a media release.
Ng’andu quoted Haimbe as stressing that Zambia was focused on several key priorities, including enhancing peace, security and stability at both regional and global events; calling for reforms to the international financial system to ensure fair and equitable access to capital for African nations; promoting strategic partnerships in areas such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and technology as alternatives to traditional aid models; and championing greater equity and representation for African countries within multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations.
“Zambia’s participation at this Forum reflects our deliberate commitment to building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships aligned with our national development goals,” noted Haimbe. “We aim to attract strategic investments, drive innovation, and establish sustainable collaborations that create opportunities for our people.”
The Forum, running from April 11 to 13, 2025, was officially opened by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye, who echoed similar concerns, calling for more inclusive international cooperation and sustainable development practices.
Ng’andu stated that Zambia’s presence at the ADF signified a dynamic push to deepen bilateral ties, attract foreign direct investment, and position the country as a reliable, forward-looking partner on the global stage.
