End Russia, Ukraine conflict - HH
PRESIDENT Hichilema has called on the Russian and Ukrainian governments as well as the international community to find ways of ending the ongoing war between the two countries.
The President made the call yesterday when Russian Ambassador to Zambia Azim Yarakhmedov presented his letter of Credence.
President Hichilema said the ongoing war is of great concern to the Zambian government as a proponent of peace.
“As a proponent of peace, Zambia wishes to encourage both Russia and Ukraine to continue pursuing the available diplomatic solutions to include dialogue and ensure a peaceful and swift resolution to the conflict,” he said.
He has encouraged all countries to work together to bring the war between Russia and Ukraine to an end as no development can take place in the absence of peace.
President Hichilema said Zambia and Russia have enjoyed cordial relations that date back over a long time and that the country is committed to consolidating the ties in many sectors.
And Mr. Yarakhmedov said Russia will continue to enhance relations with Zambia in fields such as military, technical and culture.
Meanwhile, newly deployed Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Du Xiaohui has presented a copy of his credentials to Foreign Affairs Minister Stanley Kakubo.
According to the Chinese Embassy, Ambassador Du conveyed greetings from State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Mr Kakubo and congratulated him on his recent visit to China.
He said that the traditional friendship between China and Zambia is forged and nurtured by the successive generations of leaders of both countries, and is the most precious spiritual wealth of China and Zambia.
Mr Du said in the new era, China will continue to work with Zambia to enhance the all-weather friendship for the benefit of the two countries and people.
And Mr Kakubo on behalf of the Zambian government warmly welcomed Ambassador Du on his assumption of office, saying the Government attaches great importance to Zambia- China traditional friendship, and appreciates her valuable support for the country’s economic development and fight against the Covid-19 epidemic.
He said Zambia is willing to facilitate and help Ambassador Du in fulfilling his duties and the work of the Chinese Embassy.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema yesterday received several credentials from Ambassadors and High Commissioners from the Russian Federation, Algeria, Sudan, Bulgaria, Hungary and Peru.
Others are, Dr. Emma Rebecca Dunlop - Bennett, High Commissioner of New Zealand, Dr. Lovell Francis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Claude Morel, High Commissioner of the Republic of Seychelles to the Republic of Zambia with residence in Pretoria.
The President conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to all respective appointments as Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to Zambia.
He said Zambia places economic diplomacy on top of its agenda and expressed confidence that with the cooperation of their respective governments, the relations will achieve the much needed development for the betterment of the lives of Zambians.