Minister Nzovu Holds Bilateral Talks with Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Kingdom of Morocco, Ms. Leila Benali to advance Partnership in addressing Climate Change,
…as Zambia and Morocco commits to cooperate on various aspects of socio-economic development.
On the sidelines of the on-going United Resumed session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Collins Nzovu has held a bilateral talk with Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Kingdom of Morocco, Ms. Leila Benali aimed at advancing partnership between Zambia and Morocco to address the climate change crisis.
Hon. Nzovu congratulated the Kingdom of Morocco for being elected to represent the African Region as the next Sixth President of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 6);
“Our Government stands ready to supporting you during the tenure of your office as the next President of Sixth session of UNEA.’’ he said.
During the meetings that were held on 1st March, 2022, in Nairobi, Kenya, the two discussed matters of mutual interest aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as environmental protection, climate finance, capacity building on aspects of greenhouse gas emissions reduction, sustainable agriculture and waste management.
Minister Nzovu informed his counterpart that Zambia having been elected as the next Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change, stands ready to working and learning from the Kingdom of Morocco on how to manage the multilateral processes based on the vast experience as the previous President of the twenty-second session of the Conference of Parties;
Hon Nzovu said that Zambia will draw a number of key lessons from Morocco
for effective negotiations which Zambia will lead ahead of Cop27 to be held in Egypt.
“Your excellent skills and handling of the COP22 resulted in Parties agreeing on the next of action for development and adoption of the Paris Agreement.” Said Mr. Nzovu.
The Minister added “We are also aware that your country has advanced in institutionalizing capacity building programmes on environmental management and climate change. In this regard, we would like your country to share ideas on how such processes have contributed to better management of the environment and climate change.”
Responding to the Minister’s request for cooperation, Hon. Benali said that Morocco will ensure that it supports Zambian’s chairmanship of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) to ensure that the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP27) succeeds.
She expressed optimism that the Morocco government would be willing to consider extending technical support in the areas of specialisation that the Ministry wants especially on capacity building.
“We can work hand in hand and provide all the necessary support and contribute to Zambia’s green growth agenda. “We reaffirm our commitment to continue speaking with one voice on matters affecting Africa and in the unity of Africa.” Ms. Benali said.
She added that, “we are grateful for the opportunity and we are optimistic that this bilateral meeting has opened avenues for robust relations between the two nations, we are one people whose aspirations is to see Africa succeed.”
The bilateral meeting attendance was also attended by Zambia’s High Commissioner to Kenya Her Excellency Joyce Kasosa and Mr. Rachid Firadi, Director of Partnership, Community and Cooperation, Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Kingdom of Morocco,
