Zambia and Sweden have formalised a new schedule of high‑level political engagement, signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations that will institutionalise regular dialogue and deepen cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement was signed in Stockholm by Zambia’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe and Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard.
Haimbe is visiting Sweden at Stenergard’s invitation, with the two Ministers convening the first session of the newly established consultations shortly after the signing.
The MoU is expected to ‘strengthen coordination on bilateral, regional and global priorities’, marking a shift towards a more structured and results‑oriented partnership.
The consultations will serve as a platform to review ongoing cooperation, identify new areas for collaboration and exchange views on issues ranging from development cooperation and trade to peace and security.
Zambia and Sweden have maintained diplomatic relations since 1965, with Sweden long recognised as one of Zambia’s key development partners.
Swedish support has historically focused on governance, human rights, education, health and gender equality, alongside growing cooperation in climate action and green economic transition.
In recent years, both countries have signalled interest in expanding ties beyond traditional development assistance toward broader political and economic engagement.
AP