Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday sent a congratulatory message to the incoming Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and assured him of his commitment to deepening relations between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

“ 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 two sister Republics, for the mutual benefit of our two peoples,” reads part of the message.

President Mnangagwa also assured President Hichilema of his readiness to work closely with him at the regional, continental and international levels as the two nations 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,” said President Mnangagwa.

President Hichilema was declared the winner of Zambia’s last week bitterly contested presidential election, defeating the incumbent President Edgar Lungu by more than a million votes.

President Hichilema got 2, 810, 777 votes against former president Lungu’s 1, 814, 201 according to the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

It was President Hichilema’s sixth attempt at winning the presidency.

Former President Lungu accepted defeat and promised to support and work well with President Hichilema.