Zambia's 61st Independence Anniversary Celebrated in Ankara
Embassy News | Embassy News
December 11, 2025
Zambia’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Lt. Gen. Dr. William Maipambe Sikazwe (Rtd.), has reaffirmed Zambia’s unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and inclusive development as the nation celebrates 61 years of independence. He noted that Zambia’s long-standing stability continues to anchor its socio-economic progress and strengthen its international partnerships.Speaking at the Independence Day reception hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in Türkiye, Lt. Gen. Sikazwe said this year’s theme, “61 Years ofPeace and Unity: Building a Resilient and Prosperous Zambia,” reflects the country’s enduring values and collective determination to shape a stronger future. He also conveyed warm greetings from President Hakainde Hichilema, emphasizing that Zambia’s legacy of peace remains central to its foreign policy.“Our cherished motto, ‘One Zambia, One Nation,’ remains at the heart of who we are,” he said, expressing appreciation for Türkiye’s continued friendship and cooperation.Lt. Gen. Sikazwe praised President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership in promoting regional stability, noting Türkiye’s role in supporting global peace efforts. “Instability anywhere is instability everywhere,” he remarked, commending Türkiye’s contributions toward the Gaza ceasefire initiative.Turning to Zambia’s national priorities, Gen. Sikazwe highlighted the government’s focus on economic transformation, investment promotion, innovation, and good governance. He emphasized that Zambia’s peaceful environment continues to inspire investor confidence. “Zambia is open for partnerships that deliver win-win outcomes,” he said, inviting Turkish and regional investors to explore opportunities in mining, agriculture, tourism, health, education, and infrastructure development.
He further encouraged investors from Azerbaijan, North Macedonia, Jordan, and Georgia, countries under the Embassy’s extra-accreditation to participate in Zambia’s expanding energy sector. “Securing our energy future is a top priority,” he added.
Representing the Government of Türkiye, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Head of Department for the European Union, Mr. Mehmet Kemal Bozay, delivered a congratulatory message from President Erdoğan and hailed Zambia’s longstanding record of peace, democracy, and social harmony.
“Zambia has long stood as a symbol of stability on the African continent,” he said, noting the consistent growth of bilateral relations since the opening of Embassies in Lusaka and Ankara. He also highlighted the significance of President Erdoğan’s 2018 state visit to Zambia.
Mr. Bozay reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Zambia in trade, investment, and capacity building. He noted that the upcoming Joint Economic Committee (JEC) meeting would further enhance bilateral economic ties, citing immense potential for collaboration in construction, agriculture, tourism, mining, and energy. He also acknowledged the significant contributions of Turkish institutions, including TİKA, AFAD, the Turkish Red Crescent, and the Turkish Religious Foundation in supporting Zambia during natural disasters.
On education, the Deputy Minister said more than 200 Zambian students have benefited from the Türkiye Scholarships Programme, while 25 Zambian diplomats have received professional training at the Turkish Diplomatic Academy. He described the establishment of the Turkish Maarif Foundation school in Zambia in 2024 as a major milestone in strengthening people-to-people ties.
Mr. Bozay further encouraged African Missions in Ankara, including Zambia’s, to actively contribute to preparations for the Türkiye - Africa Partnership Summit scheduled for 2026, emphasizing Türkiye’s commitment to cooperation based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit.
In his concluding remarks, Lt. Gen. Sikazwe thanked all guests for joining the commemoration and paid tribute to Zambia’s founding leaders and freedom fighters. “As we celebrate our 61st Independence Day, we honour the courage of our freedom fighters and reaffirm our shared responsibility to build a resilient and prosperous Zambia,” he said. He expressed optimism about the future of Zambia–Türkiye relations and reaffirmed the Embassy’s dedication to deepening cooperation with Türkiye and the extra-accredited countries.
The event which brought together members of the diplomatic corps, Turkish officials, business leaders, and Zambians living in Türkiye, was held at Vivald Hotel in Ankara on Friday, 24th October 2025.
