Zambian, Democratic Republic of Congo presidents agree to resolve border dispute

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) agreed Tuesday to harmoniously resolve long-standing border disputes.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema visited his counterpart, Felix Tshisekedi, and had “very fruitful” talks.

"Our talks centered around trade and investment and long-standing border issues between our two countries, which we agreed should be resolved harmoniously," said Hichilema. "We also agreed that trade and investment can be enhanced if we normalize our border challenges."

In a statement to reporters through his office in the capital of Lusaka, Hichilema said peace between the two nations would not only allow them to focus on the creation of business opportunities but improve livelihoods, health and education for citizens.

"We expressed our willingness to deal with these challenges with determination because our two countries share common history, values and cultures, which would be further cemented if these outstanding matters were amicably resolved," he said.

The Zambian leader will spend two days in the DRC capital where he is also expected to address the DRC-Africa Business Forum on Wednesday.

The forum would consider Africa's prospects in the electric car manufacturing business where one of the continent's main resources, copper, was a much sought-after raw material.

Zambia's Foreign and International Relations Minister Stanley Kakubo said the forum was important because the two countries were Africa's top copper producers and had to take advantage of new commodity market opportunities.

Hichilema, however, had to justify his trip which came on the heels of opposing voices' concerns about a frequent foreign travel schedule.

He told reporters before departure from Lusaka that his meeting with Tshisekedi was broader in the sense that his counterpart is also the chairman of the African Union.