Zambian president calls for global consensus to end Russia-Ukraine conflict

LUSAKA, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) — Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday called for urgent global consensus to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
He made the remarks while meeting visiting Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Ivanovych Kuleba.
Hichilema said the Russia-Ukraine conflict needed to be resolved through peaceful means, stressing the importance of global cooperation to promote stability and peace in the region.
The widespread repercussions of the conflict should be avoided, the Zambian president said, expressing optimism that a resolution would be found.
He further called for enhanced bilateral relations between Zambia and Ukraine, especially in the areas of trade and investment, for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.
For his part, the Ukrainian foreign minister thanked Zambia for its political solidarity with his country and commended Hichilema for participating in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
Kuleba said the purpose of his African tour was to continue building relations with African countries, emphasizing the need to explore new opportunities between Zambia and Ukraine by enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Kuleba further said Ukraine has officially included Zambia in its food assistance program following the drought that hit the country, resulting in crop failure that has left millions in food assistance. ■