Staff Reporter

His Excellency the President and ZANU PF First Secretary Cde E. D Mnangagwa yesterday sent a congratulatory message to the new President Elect of Zambia, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema on his victory in the just ended Presidential election in the country.

Zambia held its General elections on 12 August and 59 year old President Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND) got elected as President defeating incumbent Edgar Lungu of the Patriotic Front. 

President Hichilema is a former Chief Executive Officer at an accounting firm before joining politics and has been a businessman. This was his sixth time running for the Presidential post, before being announced as Zambia’s new President on Monday.

Writing his congratulatory message President Mnangagwa assured his availability to work closely with the new President Hichilema to solidify and deepen relations between the two countries. The letter reads;

“Your Excellency and dear brother

“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 sister Republics for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.

“I also assure you of my readiness to work closely with you at regional, continental and international levels as we seek to advance the ideals of development peace and stability.

“Let me take this opportunity to wish you personal good health and success in the discharge of the onerous responsibilities of your high office, His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President Elect of the Republic of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

“Please accept Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest esteem,” wrote President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa has always created and enjoyed cordial relations with leaders of neighbouring, Regional, African and International friendly countries willing to work with Zimbabwe and he hopes to continue working cordially with the new Zambian President.