In an exclusive interview to New Eastern Outlook, His Excellency the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Republic of Zambia in the Russia Federation Archritius MWAKAYAYA discussed the effect of Western sanctions on trade relations between our two countries and what he likes the most about Russia.
– Your Excellency, diplomatic relations between our countries stretch back more than 60 years. The Soviet Union was the first country to recognise Zambia’s sovereignty in 1964, six days following the country’s declaration of independence. During the Second Russia-Africa Forum in 2023, Zambian Minister of Trade Chipoka Mulenga stated that “the time has come for new developments in these relations”. How would you assess the current state of our countries’ cooperation?
– The current Russia-Zambia relations can be described as being as cordial as ever. It is important to note that relations between the two all-weather friends have grown from strength to strength over the years. The current Zambian Government values this long-standing friendship with Russia.
– How interested is Zambian business in expanding ties with Russian partners? Which spheres are the most promising?
– Zambian business houses are very much interested in expanding contacts and possibly creating conducive partnerships that would create a win-win situation for both sides. Russia is an advanced economy, while Zambia is still developing and, as such, the country is seeking foreign direct investment in various sectors, notably mining, agriculture, energy, information technology, aviation and tourism, among others.
– How do Western sanctions on Russia affect the trade relations between our countries?
– Sanctions have disrupted most of the traditional global supply chains and Zambia, as a developing country, has not been spared from the collateral effects. Most notably, the lack of banking connectivity means that businesses are unable to conduct cross-border transactions between the two countries. This has not just affected business entities, but also embassies and diplomats.
– In recent years, despite the geopolitical situation in the world, the flow of students from African countries – including from Zambia – coming to Russia to study is growing steadily. Which areas of study are most in demand among Zambian youth?
– Yes, I wish to acknowledge with thanks the incremental quota in the number of scholarships offered to Zambia. In this regard, emphasis has shifted to professions that align with the Government’s strategic development plans, which centre on science, technology and mathematics. Thus, it is the desire of our government to have more specialists in medicine, engineering, agricultural science, energy, technology and artificial intelligence to mention but a few.
– The abolition of visas between our countries would be another step not only towards increasing tourist flows, but would also positively influence the furthering of Russian-Zambian business ties. Are plans for visa free agreements currently in the works?
– The abolition of visas between Russia and Zambia is an issue which is under active consideration. The framework was already agreed upon, but there were a number of issues on which consultations were still ongoing. You may be aware that Russian diplomatic and service passport holders are granted gratis visas, while Russian passport holders are granted visas at any port of entry into Zambia. This is part of the initial arrangements that would culminate in the abolishment of visas in due course.
– To conclude the interview, our magazine’s traditional question: what do you like the most about Russia? Which places do you like to visit? How is your Russia?
– What I like the most about Russia is the warmth of the people and the depth of their love for culture and traditions, which have been preserved for centuries. Russia has a deep and interesting history and one of my favourite activities is visiting the various historical sites also visiting various cities. My favourite city is Moscow and I would like to visit Kazan, Novosibirsk and Arkhangelsk.
– Your Excellency, we thank you for an interesting talk, and we hope to continue our dialogue in the future.
Interview by Yulia NOVITSKAYA, writer, journalist, correspondent for New Eastern Outlook
