Zambia’s Ambassador to Belgium Presents Credentials to His Majesty King Philippe

Brussels, Belgium — 18/06/2025 Zambia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Netherlands, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the European Union, Her Excellency Ms. Mary Chirwa, has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Belgium.

Speaking during the presentation of her Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium at the Royal Palace, Ambassador Chirwa highlighted Zambia’s long-standing peace and stability, noting that it remains the bedrock for economic growth and investment. She stated that Zambia offers one of the most attractive and secure investment destinations in Africa, with opportunities in mining, renewable energy, agriculture, and health sectors.

Ambassador Chirwa noted Zambia’s strategic focus on the Lobito Corridor, a key transport and logistics route connecting Zambia to international markets. “The Lobito Corridor is not just about infrastructure,

it is an economic lifeline with massive potential. We invite Belgium to invest in agro-value chains, logistics, and support services along the corridor,” she said.

The Ambassador also expressed Zambia’s desire to deepen collaboration in the health sector, requesting Belgian support in health infrastructure, diagnostic equipment, and pharmaceutical supplies, leveraging Belgium’s global expertise in health systems.

On education, Ms. Chirwa commended Belgium’s support through VVOB – Education for Development, which has been working with Zambia’s Ministry of Education since 1996. She called for continued and expanded cooperation to raise the quality of education for all Zambian learners.

His Majesty King Philippe welcomed the Ambassador and reaffirmed Belgium’s interest in forging stronger ties with Zambia, especially through the Lobito Corridor initiative, and emphasized Belgium’s commitment to critical raw materials cooperation under the June 2023 Memorandum of Understanding with the European Union.

The King also commended Zambia for its consistent role in promoting regional peace and security, particularly its contributions to efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique. He encouraged stronger collaboration between the Zambian Mission and the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure mutual benefit across all areas of engagement.

Ambassador Chirwa also conveyed greetings from His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema and informed the King of the recent passing of Zambia’s Sixth Republican President, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, with the country observing national mourning until 23rd June 2025.

She reaffirmed Zambia’s pursuit of economic diplomacy and thanked Belgium for its continued support in development cooperation, humanitarian aid, and political engagement, citing the success of the 2024 bilateral consultations and the upcoming round scheduled for December 2025 in Lusaka.

As she embarks on her mission, Ambassador Chirwa stressed that Zambia remains open and ready for investment and collaboration, with a vision to deliver sustainable development for its people and strengthen partnerships that reflect shared values.