President Hakainde Hichilema has left Zambia for Angola to attend the inauguration of President elect João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço.

Lourenco, 68, returned to power after the August 24 vote gave his Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) a thin majority, winning just 51.17 per cent of the votes.

Writing after the leaving Zambia, Hakainde Hichelema hailed the cordial relationship between the two countries.

“We have left for the Republic of Angola, to attend the inauguration ceremony of His Excellence President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço.

“Zambia and Angola have traditionally enjoyed warm and close ties in many sectors being members of the SADC regional grouping. Our two sister countries are currently pursuing more trade and investment opportunities in many sectors of our economies for the benefit of our two nations and peoples,” wrote Hakainde Hichilema.