Ethiopia has emerged as a continental role model in building resilience against climate change, according to the Commander of the Zambia Army, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele. Speaking as a representative of the Zambian Ministry of Defence during the 130th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa, the Commander praised Ethiopia’s developmental trajectory, describing it as an inspiring blueprint for the rest of Africa.

Lieutenant General Zyeele noted that the historic victory at Adwa should be viewed as a triumph for all African people rather than a solely Ethiopian milestone. He highlighted that the development model pursued by the country in recent years characterized by robust infrastructure projects, the expansion of the energy sector, and significant technological shifts in fields such as Artificial Intelligence—serves as a point of pride for the entire continent.

The General also reflected on the deep-rooted diplomatic and military ties between Zambia and Ethiopia, which are anchored in the Pan-African spirit of their founding fathers. He recalled the historical deployment of the Northern Rhodesia Regiment, a precursor to the modern Zambian Defence Force, which served alongside the King’s African Rifles in the territory then known as Abyssinia. This shared military history is preserved today in Zambia, where an infantry battalion is named "Gondar Barracks" in honor of the Ethiopian city.

Despite these historic ties, the Commander warned that both nations face an array of contemporary and enduring security threats. He emphasized that challenges such as terrorism, extremism, and transnational organized crime, alongside the growing impact of global pandemics and climate change, necessitate a unified approach. He concluded by stressing that it is essential for both nations to work in close cooperation to address these evolving regional and global crises.