# Foreign relations of Zambia

"none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]]
After independence in 1964 the foreign relations of Zambia were mostly focused on supporting anti-colonial and anti-apartheid movements in other countries in Southern Africa, namely the African National Congress, Zimbabwe African People’s Union, and South West Africa People's Organisation. During the Cold War Zambia was a member of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Zambia is a member of 44 international organizations, with the United Nations, World Trade Organization, African Union, Commonwealth of Nations and Southern African Development Community being among the most notable.
Zambia is involved in a border dispute concerning the convergence of the boundaries of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. An additional dispute with the Democratic Republic of Congo concerns the Lunchinda-Pweto Enclave.

## History

After independence in 1964, Zambia was one of the most vocal opponents to white minority rule and colonialism. President Kenneth Kaunda, who held office 1964–1991, was a very visible advocate of change in Southern Africa. He actively supported UNITA during the Angolan liberation and civil war, SWAPO during their fight for Namibian independence from apartheid South Africa, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and the African National Congress in their fight against apartheid in South Africa.
Many of these organizations were based in Zambia during the 1970s and 1980s. For this reason South Africa as well as Rhodesia carried out military raids on targets inside Zambia. Zambia's support for the various liberation movements also caused problems for the Zambian economy, since it was heavily dependent on electricity supply and transportation through South Africa and Rhodesia. However these problems was partly solved by the Kariba Dam and the construction of the Chinese supported Tan-Zam railway.
For their part in the liberations struggles, Zambia enjoys wide popularity among the countries they supported as well as all over Africa. For instance, former South African president Nelson Mandela often referred to the debt South Africa owes Zambia.
Before Zambian independence, Kaunda met with John F Kennedy while visiting the United States in 1961, and he would meet with Lyndon Johnson, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush at the White House during his long presidency. He also clashed with British prime minister Margaret Thatcher on several occasions, disliking her policy towards South Africa.
As with most African states, Zambia was a member of the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War, and is still today. The country hosted the 3rd Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1970. In practice Zambia was more to the left than to the right during the Cold War. The country had good relations with China and with Yugoslavia. Kaunda is famous in Yugoslavia for crying openly at president Josip Broz Tito's funeral.
Kaunda's successor, president Frederick Chiluba (1991–2002), also played an important role in African politics. His government played a constructive regional role sponsoring Angola peace talks that led to the 1994 Lusaka Protocols. Zambia has provided troops to UN peacekeeping initiatives in Mozambique, Rwanda, Angola, and Sierra Leone. Zambia was the first African state to cooperate with the International Tribunal investigation of the 1994 Rwanda genocide.
In 1998, Zambia took the lead in efforts to establish a cease-fire in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Zambia was active in the Congolese peace effort after the signing of a cease-fire agreement in Lusaka in July and August 1999, although activity diminished considerably after the Joint Military Commission tasked with implementing the ceasefire relocated to Kinshasa in September 2001.

## International organizations

Zambia is a member of 45 international organisations. These are:
| Lomé Convention (ACP) African Development Bank (AfDB) African Union (AU) Commonwealth of Nations (CN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Group of 77 (G-77) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) International Criminal Court (ICCt) International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) ICRM International Development Association (IDA) International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) International Finance Corporation (IFC) International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCS) International Labour Organization (ILO) International Monetary Fund (IMF) Interpol International Olympic Committee (IOC) International Organization for Migration (IOM) International Organization for Standardization (ISO, correspondent) | International Telecommunication Union (ITU) United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) Southern African Development Community (SADC) United Nations (UN) United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) Universal Postal Union (UPU) WCL World Customs Organization (WCO) World Health Organization (WHO) World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) World Meteorological Organization (WMO) World Tourism Organization (WToO) World Trade Organization (WTrO) |
Concerning Zambia's membership in the ICC, Zambia has a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the United States military from prosecution.

### United Nations

Zambia joined the United Nations on 1 December 1964, only a month after the nation had become independent. Zambia has a permanent mission to the UN, with headquarters on 237 East 52nd Street, New York City. The head of the mission is Tens Chisola Kapoma.

## Regional diplomacy

Following the independence of Zambia on 24 October 1964, the country has lent military aid and support to numerous movements and governments on the international stage. Most notably, Zambia has a history of providing military aid to combatants and political parties fighting for independence throughout Africa. The aid that Zambia has provided for African nationalistic movements during the colonial era revolves around both military and diplomatic arrangement for liberation and peace. The Zambian Defense Force (ZDF), which consists of the Zambian Army, Zambian Air force and Zambian National Service, has played a key part in a multitude of key regional and international conflicts throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Most notably, the Zambian military has provided counter insurgent efforts during major African confrontations such as the Rhodesian Bush War despite not being the main belligerent.
Zambia has a history of supporting regional liberation movements and Former President Kenneth Kaunda had previously decreed that "Zambia will not be independent and free until the rest of Africa is Free". Critics have pointed to Zambia's historical stance of non-engagement and détente as a self-preservation act for a historically authoritarian government. As a large central nation, the governability of Zambia relies on the stability and diplomacy of nearby states that surround Zambia. Regional stability has allowed Former President Kenneth Kaunda to maintain power in the relatively poor nation for several decades.

### Liberation and political support

Zambia received its own liberation from colonialism relatively early from Britain. The newly formed Zambian government under President Kenneth Kaunda of the UNIP party was active in the liberation and disputes of its neighbors for decades following its independence. The Zambian government offered shelter for revolutionaries, mediated treaty signings and offered aid and weapons. The continuation of colonial rule in Southern Africa was seen as a slight to Zambia and inherent feelings of African unity drove the new nation to aid its neighbors resist colonial rule.
Most notably, Zambia was a haven for revolutionaries from the Namibia liberation party, South West African People's Organization (SWAPO) and the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa. Zambia provided a rear base for revolutionaries as well as administrative and political aid.

#### SWAPO

The South West African People's Organization (SWAPO) is a political party that was formerly an independence movement based in Namibia. Due to pressures from within Namibia, SWAPO moved its headquarters and much of its forces into neighboring Zambia in the 1970s. Zambia became a safe haven for the group and SWAPO set up guerrilla training camps and sent exiled members into Zambia. The Shipanga Crisis, so named for senior SWAPO leader Andreas Shipanga, saw the Zambian government help round up thousands of dissidents and critics of the movement. SWAPO leaders in Namibia saw growing dissent in the SWAPO installations and guerrilla camps in Zambia, and appealed to then President Kaunda for help. After rounding up thousands of perceived rebels, including Shipanga with the aid of Zambia, SWAPO leadership in Namibia became markedly more authoritarian.

#### African National Congress

The African National Congress was an anti-apartheid political party based in South Africa, with close ideological ties to the Zambian African National Congress of President Kenneth Kaunda. When the political party was banned in South Africa by the colonial government, many of its leaders went underground or fled to Zambia. Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, became the new headquarters for many ANC leaders in exile from their native South Africa. Zambia thus developed a legacy of being the center of activity for South African liberation and allowed exiled leaders to convene and organize. Former South African President Nelson Mandela had expressed the important role that Zambia played in the liberation of their country during the years of exile. Zambia's policy of liberation through diplomacy and discreet support for African nationalist movements within the region is most poignant in the South African case.

#### Zimbabwe

Zambia has also provided key support to the liberation struggles of nearby Zimbabwe from their colonial rulers in the 1960s to 1970s. Specifically, Zambia provided armed and diplomatic support to Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) and the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) during their struggles against the unrecognized rogue state Rhodesian government in the Rhodesian Bush War. Zambia provided limited arms and training towards Zimbabwe's African nationalist movements, but largely applied diplomatic approaches to induce liberation in Zimbabwe. This included multiple visits and discussion between the Rhodesian government and Zambia leaders to negotiate a resolution to the civil strife within the country. Eventually, in 1979, the Rhodesian government submitted to international pressures and conducted elections that lead to majority rule and the eventual renaming of the country as Zimbabwe.

#### UNITA

The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) was a party in Angola that served as one of the main belligerents in the Angolan Civil War of 1975 against People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). Zambia, under Kenneth Kaunda trained and funded UNITA against the MPLA during the civil war. Lusaka remained one of the most ardent supporters of the UNITA African nationalists and UNITA troops trained in Zambia. Since then, Zambia has rescinded its historical support of UNITA and has apologized to the current Angolan government over the historical support of UNITA.

### Roles in regional disputes
#### Angolan Civil War

Zambia was key in facilitating talks between People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) of the Angolan Civil War. The Angolan Civil War waged on from 1975 onward and involved massive foreign intervention in the face of the Cold War. Initiated by Zambia, the Lusaka Protocol was a treaty that attempted to end the Civil War by disarmament and national reconciliation. The treaty was signed in Lusaka on 20 November 1994 and garnered international support, as well as support from Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and South African President Nelson Mandela. Ultimately the fighting resumed, and by 1998, the peace process ceased.

#### The Second Congo War

The Second Congo war was a major African continental war that began in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1998, and involved nine different African countries. Zambia was not a belligerent in this military engagement, but sought to facilitate peace and an end to the fighting. Representatives from various international organizations such as the United Nations, met on 21–27 June 1999 in Lusaka in order to draft a resolution to the conflict. The ceasefire agreement set to end the fighting, deploy peacekeeping forces and release prisoners of war on both sides of the fighting. Heads of state from Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe convened in Lusaka, Zambia on 10 July 1999 to sign the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement. Ultimately hostilities continued despite the passage of the Peace Agreement, and the official fighting did not resolve itself until 2003.

### African cooperation

Zambia is a member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union, and was its chairman until July 2002. Zambia also takes part in the unions economical cooperation, the African Economic Community (AEC). Among the AEC's different pillars, Zambia takes part in two; Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the preferential trade area Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The country is also a member of the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA).
SADC was founded in Zambia's capital Lusaka on 1 April 1980, and COMESA has its headquarters there as well.

## International disputes

A dormant dispute remains where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe's boundaries converge; and with the DRC in the Lunchinda-Pweto Enclave in the North of Chienge following concerns on the Zambia-Congo Delimitation Treaty raised with the late President Laurent Kabila. The lack of demarcation beacons, and the citizenship rights of people in that enclave remain thorny issues, especially in Luapula Province.

## Zambia and the Commonwealth of Nations

Zambia has been a republic in the Commonwealth of Nations since 24 October 1964, when Northern Rhodesia became independent.

### List

List of countries which Zambia maintains diplomatic relations with:
Date :
| 1 | United Kingdom | 24 October 1964 |
| 2 | United States | 24 October 1964 |
| 3 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 24 October 1964 |
| 4 | France | 24 October 1964 |
| 5 | Germany | 24 October 1964 |
| 6 | Serbia | 24 October 1964 |
| 7 | China | 29 October 1964 |
| 8 | Russia | 30 October 1964 |
| 9 | Japan | October 1964 |
| 10 | Ghana | 30 November 1964 |
| 11 | Egypt | 15 December 1964 |
| 12 | Sweden | 1964 |
| 13 | Tanzania | 7 January 1965 |
| 14 | Czech Republic | 2 February 1965 |
| 15 | Norway | 2 February 1965 |
| 16 | Denmark | 10 February 1965 |
| 17 | Belgium | 12 February 1965 |
| 18 | Philippines | 26 February 1965 |
| 19 | Israel | 17 March 1965 |
| 20 | Austria | 18 March 1965 |
| 21 | India | April 1965 |
| — | Holy See | 15 May 1965 |
| 22 | Ethiopia | 8 July 1965 |
| 23 | Chile | 29 July 1965 |
| 24 | Netherlands | 2 November 1965 |
| 25 | Nigeria | 1965 |
| 26 | Canada | 13 April 1966 |
| 27 | Italy | 10 May 1966 |
| 28 | Switzerland | 10 June 1966 |
| 29 | Poland | 1 July 1966 |
| 30 | Hungary | 13 August 1966 |
| 31 | Botswana | 28 November 1966 |
| 32 | Kenya | 1966 |
| 33 | Uganda | 1966 |
| 34 | Lebanon | 3 February 1967 |
| 35 | Guinea | 10 November 1967 |
| 36 | Finland | 8 March 1968 |
| 37 | Ivory Coast | 10 April 1968 |
| 38 | Romania | 28 May 1968 |
| 39 | Somalia | 7 July 1968 |
| 40 | Bulgaria | 20 October 1968 |
| 41 | North Korea | 12 April 1969 |
| 42 | Senegal | 25 April 1969 |
| 43 | Syria | 15 May 1969 |
| 44 | Albania | 9 July 1969 |
| 45 | Spain | 26 September 1969 |
| 46 | Brazil | 28 December 1969 |
| 47 | Malawi | 15 September 1970 |
| 48 | Peru | 5 October 1970 |
| 49 | Guyana | 11 February 1971 |
| 50 | Trinidad and Tobago | 17 February 1971 |
| 51 | Sierra Leone | 19 February 1971 |
| 52 | Jamaica | 25 February 1971 |
| 53 | Turkey | 25 February 1971 |
| 54 | Barbados | 1 March 1971 |
| 55 | Eswatini | 31 March 1971 |
| 56 | Mauritania | 30 April 1971 |
| 57 | Liberia | 3 April 1972 |
| 58 | Cameroon | 21 April 1972 |
| 59 | Australia | 18 May 1972 |
| 60 | Cuba | 19 July 1972 |
| 61 | Vietnam | 15 September 1972 |
| 62 | Malta | 17 October 1972 |
| 63 | Morocco | 1972 |
| 64 | Pakistan | 1972 |
| 65 | Tunisia | 1972 |
| 66 | Togo | 5 January 1973 |
| 67 | Republic of the Congo | 12 January 1973 |
| 68 | Algeria | 15 January 1973 |
| 69 | Rwanda | January 1973 |
| 70 | Burundi | 13 March 1973 |
| 71 | Sri Lanka | 16 April 1973 |
| 72 | Iran | 7 July 1973 |
| 73 | Madagascar | 13 September 1973 |
| 74 | Lesotho | 19 September 1973 |
| 75 | Benin | 8 February 1974 |
| 76 | Argentina | 27 September 1974 |
| 77 | United Arab Emirates | 29 November 1974 |
| 78 | Mauritius | 29 December 1974 |
| 79 | Gambia | 30 December 1974 |
| 80 | Iraq | 1974 |
| 81 | Sudan | 1974 |
| 82 | Haiti | 6 March 1975 |
| 83 | Portugal | 3 April 1975 |
| 84 | Mozambique | 25 June 1975 |
| 85 | Gabon | 18 July 1975 |
| 86 | Mexico | 15 October 1975 |
| 87 | Bahamas | 1975 |
| 88 | Kuwait | 12 November 1975 |
| 89 | Indonesia | 18 November 1975 |
| 90 | Cyprus | 10 December 1976 |
| 91 | Angola | 3 May 1977 |
| 92 | Greece | 1977 |
| 93 | Saudi Arabia | 1 May 1978 |
| 94 | Mongolia | 2 October 1978 |
| 95 | Venezuela | 2 November 1978 |
| 96 | Bangladesh | 26 July 1979 |
| 97 | Grenada | 7 September 1979 |
| 98 | Ireland | 29 February 1980 |
| 99 | Nicaragua | 21 April 1980 |
| 100 | Zimbabwe | 30 April 1980 |
| 101 | Oman | 2 June 1982 |
| 102 | Qatar | 25 June 1982 |
| 103 | Cape Verde | 10 July 1982 |
| 104 | Bahrain | 24 January 1983 |
| 105 | Antigua and Barbuda | 2 March 1983 |
| 106 | New Zealand | 2 April 1985 |
| 107 | Nepal | 10 September 1986 |
| 108 | Libya | 1986 |
| 109 | Bolivia | 5 January 1987 |
| 110 | São Tomé and Príncipe | 31 August 1987 |
| 111 | Mali | 2 October 1987 |
| 112 | Thailand | 9 November 1987 |
| 113 | Colombia | 21 April 1988 |
| 114 | Afghanistan | December 1988 |
| 115 | Malaysia | 26 February 1990 |
| 116 | Namibia | 5 August 1990 |
| 117 | South Korea | 4 September 1990 |
| — | State of Palestine | 20 February 1991 |
| 118 | Ukraine | 22 April 1993 |
| 119 | Slovakia | 5 May 1993 |
| 120 | Kyrgyzstan | 17 September 1993 |
| 121 | Armenia | 7 October 1993 |
| 122 | Belarus | 13 October 1993 |
| 123 | Georgia | 14 October 1993 |
| 124 | Moldova | 26 October 1993 |
| 125 | Azerbaijan | 18 November 1993 |
| 126 | Turkmenistan | 2 December 1993 |
| 127 | Uzbekistan | 1 February 1994 |
| 128 | South Africa | 10 May 1994 |
| 129 | Eritrea | 15 July 1994 |
| 130 | Slovenia | 26 January 1995 |
| 131 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 20 March 1995 |
| 132 | Croatia | 20 September 1995 |
| 133 | Tajikistan | 31 October 1995 |
| 134 | Kazakhstan | 25 March 1996 |
| 135 | Cambodia | 8 May 1996 |
| 136 | Laos | 9 November 1996 |
| 137 | Singapore | 17 December 1996 |
| 138 | Latvia | 27 February 1997 |
| 139 | Estonia | 15 May 1997 |
| 140 | Seychelles | 11 March 1998 |
| 141 | North Macedonia | 30 March 1998 |
| 142 | Lithuania | 13 July 2001 |
| 143 | Brunei | 3 February 2003 |
| 144 | Belize | 18 September 2003 |
| 145 | Iceland | 23 July 2004 |
| 146 | Jordan | 6 June 2006 |
| 147 | Djibouti | 11 December 2006 |
| 148 | Comoros | 22 February 2007 |
| 149 | Yemen | 22 November 2007 |
| 150 | Montenegro | 29 June 2010 |
| 151 | Paraguay | 28 September 2010 |
| 152 | Burkina Faso | 15 July 2011 |
| 153 | Honduras | 8 August 2011 |
| 154 | Suriname | 2 September 2011 |
| 155 | Guatemala | 19 March 2013 |
| 156 | Ecuador | 16 July 2013 |
| 157 | Costa Rica | 28 May 2014 |
| 158 | Central African Republic | 28 August 2017 |
| 159 | Maldives | 1 April 2018 |
| 160 | Equatorial Guinea | 19 April 2018 |
| 161 | Dominican Republic | 23 September 2024 |
| 162 | Panama | 24 September 2024 |
| 163 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 24 September 2024 |
| 164 | El Salvador | 10 December 2024 |
| 165 | Luxembourg | Unknown |
| 166 | Niger | Unknown |

## Bilateral relations

| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
| Angola | 3 May 1977 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 May 1977 Angola has an embassy in Lusaka and consulates-general in Mongu and Solwezi. Zambia has an embassy in Luanda and a consulate-general in Luena. |
| Argentina | 27 September 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 September 1974 |
| Armenia | 7 October 1993 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 October 1993 |
| Australia | 18 May 1972 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 May 1972 when first Australian High Commissioner to Zambia Mr. W. G. A. Landale presented credentials (resident in Dar es Salaam) Australia is accredited to Zambia from its embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe. Zambia has a High Commission in Canberra. Both countries are full members of Commonwealth of Nations. |
| Austria | 18 March 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 March 1965 when accredited first Ambassador of Austria to Zambia (resident in Nairobi) Dr. Friedrich Kudernatsch |
| Azerbaijan | 18 November 1993 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 November 1993 |
| Bangladesh | 26 July 1979 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 July 1979 |
| Barbados | 1 March 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 March 1971 |
| Belarus | 13 October 1993 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 October 1993 |
| Belgium | 12 February 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 February 1965 when first Ambassador of Belgium to Zambia Mr. Jean Bourgaux presented his credentials |
| Belize | 18 September 2003 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 September 2003 when accredited first High Commissioner of Zambia to Belize (resident in Washington D.C.) Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika. |
| Benin | 8 February 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 February 1974 when Zambian ambassador Andreya S. Masiye presented credentials to President Kerekou |
| Bolivia | 5 January 1987 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 January 1987 |
| Botswana | 28 November 1966 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 November 1966 when first Botswana's High Commissioner to Zambia, Richard Mannathoko presents his credentials |
| Brazil | 28 December 1969 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 December 1969 Brazil has an embassy in Lusaka. Zambia has an embassy in Brasília. |
| Burkina Faso | 15 July 2011 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 July 2011 when Ambassador of Zambia with residence in Abuja M. Alexis Cadman Luhila, has presented his credentials to President of Burkina Faso Blaise Compaore. |
| Burundi | 13 March 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 March 1973 |
| Cameroon | April 1972 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in April 1972 |
| Canada | 13 April 1966 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 April 1966 Canada has a high commission in Lusaka. Zambia has a high commission in Ottawa. |
| Cape Verde | 10 July 1982 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 July 1982 |
| Central African Republic | 28 August 2017 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 August 2017 when first Ambassador of CAR to Zambia with residence in Pretoria M. Andre Nzapayeke, presented his credentials to President Edgar Lungu. |
| Chile | 29 July 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 July 1965, but Zambia severed diplomatic relations with Chile on 1 October 1973, diplomatic relations were restored on 18 July 1991 |
| China | 29 October 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 October 1964 See China–Zambia relations China has an embassy in Lusaka. Zambia has an embassy in Beijing. |
| Colombia | 21 April 1988 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 April 1988 |
| Comoros | 22 February 2007 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 February 2007 when first Ambassador of Zambia Professor Royson M. Mukwena, has presented his credentials to President of Comoros Ahmed Abdallah Sambi. |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 24 October 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on Zambia's independence 24 October 1964, when Democratic Republic of the Congo has raised its consulate-general in Lusaka to embassy level, and consul Mabita has been promoted to charge d'affaires DR Congo has an embassy in Lusaka. Zambia has an embassy in Kinshasa and a consulate-general in Lubumbashi. |
| Republic of Congo | 12 January 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 January 1973 when the first Zambian Ambassador to the Congo People's Republic, M. Chalikulima, presented his credentials to President Ngouabi |
| Costa Rica | 28 May 2014 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 May 2014 when first Ambassador of Zambia to Costa Rica (resident in Washington) Mr. Palan Mulonda presented his credentials to President Luis Guillermo Solís. |
| Cote d'Ivoire | 10 April 1968 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 April 1968 |
| Croatia | 20 September 1995 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 September 1995 |
| Cyprus | 10 December 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 December 1976 when the first High Commissioner of Cyprus to Zambia, Mr. Fillios Antoniou Grammenopoulos, presented his credentials to President Kaunda Cyprus is accredited to Zambia from its high commission in Pretoria, South Africa and an honorary consulate in Lusaka. Zambia is accredited to Cyprus from its embassy in Rome, Italy and an honorary consulate in Limassol. Both countries have a bilateral agreement on Air Service between both countries. Both countries are full members of Commonwealth of Nations. |
| Denmark | 10 February 1965 | See Denmark-Zambia relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 February 1965 when was accredited first Ambassador of Denmark to Zambia (resident in Nairibi) Mr. Birger Abrahamson Denmark has an embassy in Lusaka. Zambia is accredited to Denmark, from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. |
| Ecuador | 16 July 2013 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 July 2013 when first Ambassador of Zambia to Ecuador (resident in Brasilia) Ms. Cynthia Misozi Jangulo presented his credentials |
| Egypt | 15 December 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 December 1964 when the UAR (Egypt) has decided to open an embassy in Zambia. |
| Equatorial Guinea | 19 April 2018 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 April 2018 when Ambassador of Zambia with residence in Kinshasa Mr. Friday Musiyalike Nyambe has presented his credentials to President of Equatorial Guinea Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. |
| Eritrea | 15 July 1994 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 July 1994 when first Ambassador of Zambia to Eritrea Simataa Akapelwa presented his credentials to President Isaias Afwerki |
| Eswatini | 31 March 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 March 1971 when has been accredited High Commissioner of Swaziland to Zambia (resident in Nairobi) Mr. Martin Buya Mdiniso. |
| Ethiopia | 8 July 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 July 1965 when Chief Mapanza has been appointed the Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia |
| Finland | 8 March 1968 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 March 1968 Finland recognised Zambia on 29 October 1964. Zambia is accredited to Finland from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. Finland has an embassy in Lusaka. |
| France | 24 October 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 October 1964 |
| Gabon | 18 July 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 July 1975 |
| Gambia | 30 December 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 December 1974 when the Zambian High Commissioner to Gambia, Mr. A. N. Kalyati, presented his letters of credence to the President, Sir Dawda Jawara. |
| Germany | 24 October 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 October 1964 |
| Ghana | 30 November 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 November 1964 when first Zambian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr. M. Ngalande, presented his letters of credence |
| Greece | 1977 | Greece is accredited to Zambia from its embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe and an honorary consulate in Lusaka. Zambia is accredited to Greece from its embassy in London, United Kingdom. |
| Grenada | 18 September 1979 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 September 1979 |
| Guinea | 10 November 1967 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 November 1967 when the first Guinean Ambassador to Zambia, Mr. Fily Cissoko, presented his credentials to President Kaunda |
| Guyana | 11 February 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 February 1971 Both countries are full members of Commonwealth of Nations. |
| Haiti | 6 March 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 March 1975 when first Ambassador of Zambia to Haiti (resident in New York) Mr. Rupiah Bwezani Banda presented his credentials to Président Duvalier. |
| Honduras | 8 August 2011 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 August 2011 when first Ambassador of Zambia to Honduras (resident in Washington) Mrs Sheila Siwela presented his credentials to President Porfirio Lobo |
| India | April 1965 | See India-Zambia relations Both countries established diplomatic relations in April 1965 when first High Commissioner of India to Zambia Mr. C. Krishnamurti began his duties. India has a high commission in Lusaka. Zambia has a high commission in New Delhi. |
| Ireland | 29 February 1980 | See Ireland–Zambia relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 February 1980 when Ireland's first Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Mr Michael Greene, presented credentials to President Kaunda Ireland has an embassy in Lusaka. Zambia is accredited to Ireland from its high commission in London |
| Israel | 17 March 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 March 1965 when Israel's first ambassador to Zambia Col. Ben-Zion Tehan presented his credentials to the President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda. Zambia severed diplomatic relations with Israel on 26 October 1973. Diplomatic relations between two countries were re-established on 25 December 1991 Both countries have a number of bilateral agreements in force. |
| Italy | 10 May 1966 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 May 1966 with the appointment of Armando Albini as Chargé d'affaires of Italy to Zambia (before that, from 31 May 1965, Consul General of Italy in Lusaka). First Ambassador of Italy to Zambia Girolamo Trotta was appointed 27 November 1967. |
| Jordan | 6 June 2006 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 June 2006 when ambassador of Zambia to Jordan Mr. Cecil Almos Holmes, has presented his credentials to King Abdullah. |
| Kenya | 1966 | See Kenya–Zambia relations Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1966 when has been accredited High Commissioner of Zambia to Kenya Mr. A. M. Simbule. Kenya has a high commission in Lusaka. Zambia has a high commission in Nairobi. |
| Lebanon | 3 February 1967 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 February 1967 when has been accredited first Ambassador of Zambia to Lebanon with residence in Cairo M.Rupiah Bwezani Banda. |
| Liberia | 3 April 1972 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 April 1972 when first Zambian Ambassador to Liberia Mr. Siteke G. Mwale presented his credentials |
| Mali | 2 October 1987 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 October 1987 when has been accredited Ambassador of Mali to Zambia (Resident in Cairo) Mr. Elbekaye Moctar Kounta. |
| Mauritania | 30 April 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 April 1971 when Zambia's first Ambassador to Mauritania Mr. Seteke Mwale presented his credentials to President Moktar Ould Daddah. |
| Mexico | 15 October 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 October 1975 Mexico is accredited to Zambia from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. Zambia is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States. |
| Mozambique | 25 June 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 June 1975 Mozambique has a high commission in Lusaka. Zambia has a high commission in Maputo. |
| Namibia | 5 August 1990 | See Namibia–Zambia relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 August 1990 Namibia has a high commission in Lusaka. Zambia has a high commission in Windhoek. |
| Netherlands | 2 November 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 November 1965 when opened Embassy of the Netherlands in Zambia's capital Lusaka with Charge d'Affaires Mr. M. A. Beelaerts van Blokland |
| New Zealand | 2 April 1985 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 April 1985 New Zealand is accredited to Zambia from its high commission in Pretoria, South Africa. Zambia is accredited to New Zealand from its high commission in Canberra, Australia. Both countries are full members of Commonwealth of Nations. |
| Poland | 1 July 1966 | See Poland–Zambia relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 July 1966 Poland is accredited to Zambia from its embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe. Zambia is accredited to Poland from its embassy in Berlin, Germany. |
| Russia | 30 October 1964 | See Russia–Zambia relations Russia has an embassy in Lusaka. Zambia has an embassy in Moscow. |
| Rwanda | | Ambassador of Rwanda to Zambia Mr. Jean Marie Sibomana presented his credentials to President Kaunda on 23 March 1976 |
| Sao Tome and Principe | 31 August 1987 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 August 1987 when has been accredited Ambassador of Sao Tome and Principe to Zambia (resident in Luanda) Mr. J. Jose Da Costa. |
| Senegal | 25 April 1969 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 April 1969 when first Zambia's Ambassador to Senegal, Mr. Ali Simbule presented his credentials to President Senghor |
| Serbia | 24 October 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 October 1964. Both countries have passed a number of bilateral agreements. |
| Sierra Leone | 19 February 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 February 1971 when first High Commissioner of Zambia Mr. Siteke G. Mwale presented his credentials to the Governor General of Sierra Leone Sir Banja Tejan-Sie |
| South Africa | 10 May 1994 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 May 1994 See South Africa–Zambia relations Zambia was a strong supporter of the African National Congress during their struggle against minority rule and hosted the ANC for a number of years. In 2009, nearly 52% of all goods imported to Zambia were from South Africa. South Africa has a high commission in Lusaka. Zambia has a high commission in Pretoria. |
| South Korea | 4 September 1990 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 September 1990 High-level Exchanges: May 1991 Special Envoy Chung Won-shik; October 1994 Special Envoy Hong Soon-young; May 1995 Special Envoy Kim Hang-kyung; May 2010 Economic Mission Kim Jung-hoon (The Republic of Korea-Zambia business Forum). |
| Spain | 26 September 1969 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 September 1969 Spain is accredited to Zambia from its embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe and maintains an honorary consulate in Lusaka. Zambia is accredited to Spain from its embassy in Paris, France. |
| Sri Lanka | 16 April 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 April 1973 when High Commissioner to Zambia from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) presented his credentials to President Kaunda. |
| Switzerland | 10 June 1966 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 June 1966 when appointed first Ambassador of Switzerland to Zambia (resident in Kinshasa) Mr. Theodor Curchod |
| Tanzania | 7 January 1965 | See Tanzania–Zambia relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 January 1965 when Zambia's first High Commissioner to Tanzania, Mr. A. M. Simbule presented his credentials to President Nyerere Tanzania has a high commission in Lusaka. Zambia has a high commission in Dar es Salaam. |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 17 February 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 February 1971 when first Zambia's high commissioner in Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Vernon Johnson Mwaanga presented his credentials to Governor General Sir Solomon Hochoy |
| Turkey | 25 February 1971 | See Turkey–Zambia relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 February 1971 when accredited first Ambassador of Turkey to Zambia (resident in Nairibi) Mr. Sadum Terem Turkey has an embassy in Lusaka. Zambia has an embassy in Ankara. Trade volume between the two countries was 23.7 million USD in 2019 (Zambian exports/imports: 5.9/17.8 million USD). There are direct flights from Istanbul to Lusaka since 14 December 2018. |
| United Kingdom | 17 October 1964 | See United Kingdom–Zambia relations Zambia established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 17 October 1964. Zambia maintains a high commission in London. The United Kingdom is accredited to Zambia through its high commission in Lusaka. The UK governed Zambia from 1911 to 1964, when Zambia achieved full independence. Both countries share common membership of the Commonwealth, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have a Development Partnership, a Double Taxation Agreement, an Energy Africa Partnership Agreement, a Green Growth Compact, and have signed an Investment Agreement. |
| United States | | See United States–Zambia relations Zambia, led by president Kenneth Kaunda and other diplomats such as Vernon Mwaanga, Mark Chona, and Siteke Mwale, cooperated closely with the United States between 1975 and 1984 in order to promote peaceful solutions to the conflicts in Angola, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), and Namibia. United States has an embassy in Lusaka. Zambia has an embassy in Washington, D.C. |
| Zimbabwe | 30 April 1980 | See Zambia–Zimbabwe relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 April 1980 From 1953 to 1963 Zambia and Zimbabwe were, along with Nyasaland (now Malawi) part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Initially the two countries had good relations after gaining independence. However, relations have recently been strained. Following the controversial Zimbabwean presidential election of 2008, the late Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa described Mugabe's Zimbabwe as a "regional embarrassment". The former foreign affairs minister, Kabinga Mpande, once said Zambia had lodged a protest against Zimbabwe, against the "sustained malicious campaign against Zambia". But relations have improved tremendously with the election of Michael Sata as President of Zambia. It was reported in the Zambian media that Zambia was pushing for the readmission of Zimbabwe into the British led Commonwealth of Nations. |