.Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko Akishino

By XAVIER MANCHISHI –

VISITING Japanese Imperial Highnesses, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko Akishino have left Zambia with a call for continued cordial bilateral relations between the two countries.
The royal couple left at 07:15 hours yesterday after winding up their five-day official visit that took in stops in Livingstone, a courtesy call on acting President Wynter Kabimba and a State dinner hosted by
Vice-President Guy Scott.
They were seen off at a chilly Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by Chiefs and Traditional Affairs minister, Nkandu Luo, deputy Mayor of Lusaka, Portipher Tembo and other senior Government officials.
Speaking on Tuesday evening at a reception to mark 50 years of relations between Zambia and Japan, Prince Akishino said the mutual relationship the two countries have continued to enjoy must be
enhanced beyond the 50 years.
The Imperial Highnesses congratulated the people of Zambia on the country’s attainment of the Golden Jubilee.
Prince Akishino was accompanied by Princess Kiko to the reception which was also attended by Dr Scott and Foreign Affairs Minister, Harry Kalaba and Prof Luo.
He underscored the need to further strengthen the existing cooperation that the two governments are enjoying in various sectors of the economy.
Prince Akishino has paid glowing tribute to the peoples of Zambia and Japan for fostering and building strong bilateral ties between the two states.
The visiting Japanese Imperial Highness observed that both countries had spent time and effort in ensuring that the cordial relations between them thrived.
Speaking at the same reception, Mr Kalaba thanked the Japanese government for the support it was rendering to Zambia in various sectors of the economy.
Mr Kalaba said Zambia would remain indebted to Japan for the role it has played in the development of various sectors of the economy.
He said as Zambians reflects on her achievements of the last 50 years since independence, the country would remain indebted to Japan for being an all-weather friend.
Earlier, Japanese Ambassador to Zambia, Kiyoshi Koinuma, said Japan had supported Zambia’s economic development since 1964.
Mr Koinuma noted that Japan would focuses on enhancing the economic exchange between the two countries.
He said through the economic exchange, sustainable growth of Zambia’s economy would be strengthened.