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President Emmerson Mnangagwa said he is confident that Zimbabwe and Zambia relationship will get more grounded following the appointment of Hakainde Hichilema as the new President for Harare’s northern neighbours.
In his congratulatory message to Hichilema, Mnangagwa said he is ready to work with the new Zambian president.
“I am gratified to warmly congratulate you on your election as President of the Republic of Zambia. Your election to the highest office is ample testimony to the confidence and trust that the people of Zambia have in your leadership to guide the country to a prosperous future.
“As you assume your term in office, I wish to assure you of my availability to work closely with you to solidify and deepen the cordial relations that exist between our two sister Republics for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.
“I also wish to assure you of my readiness to work closely with you at the regional, continental and international levels as we seek to advance the ideals of development, peace and stability. Let me take this opportunity to wish your personal good health and success in the discharge of the onerous responsibilities of your high office,” Mnangagwa said.
This comes after the Zambia electoral commission announced a victory of Hichilema who got 2 810 777 votes against Lungu’s 1 814 201.
Zimbabwe and Zambia has a long standing relationship which back dates to the time of the liberation struggle.
It is the third time that power has shifted peacefully from a ruling party to the opposition since the southern African country’s independence from Britain in 1964.
There was a huge turnout of mostly young people, some who came dressed in their academic robes to protest lack of employment post-graduation.
Hichilema’s win reverses a narrow loss in the 2016 presidential election against Lungu.
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