PRINCE AKISHINO WIFE WIFE PRINCES KIKO

By DELPHINE ZULU-
DEPUTY Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Zambia, Hideki Yamaji says the State visit of Prince Akishino and his wife, Princess Kiko will strengthen the already existing diplomatic ties between Zambia and Japan.
Speaking at a Press briefing yesterday at the Japanese embassy, Mr Yamaji announced that Prince and Princess would arrive in the country on June 28, this year, for a five-day visit with the aim of promoting cordial relations between the two countries.
He said the two countries had shared diplomatic relations from way back during the time of First Republican President, Kenneth Kaunda and would continue to do so.
“The importance and meaning of this significant visit to Zambia by Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko is not political but to be part of this year’s vital golden jubilee celebrations,” he said.
During the visit, the royal couple would pay a courtesy call on Dr Kaunda, tour Livingstone and Kabwata Cultural Village and attend a reception for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Zambia.
Meanwhile, the Japanese Government has described Zambia’s decision to embrace multiparty politics and free market economy system as one of the various ventures that has contributed to the country’s prosperity.
“As Japan we hope these fundamentals can be maintained in the future because we are sharing the same values of good governance, freedom of expression and liberal economy, these are key highlights that need to be embraced,” Mr Yamaji said.
He said most Japanese volunteers who visited Zambia some time back were able to attest that the nation had made tremendous change even in terms of working culture due to various incentives that had been put in place.