.KASESE BOTA

By JULIUS PHIRI? –

ZAMBIA will continue to play an active role in international affairs for the betterment of humanity, Permanent Representative to United Nations Dr Mwaba Kasese-Bota has said.
Dr Kasese-Bota said at the celebratory reception hosted for ambassadors and diplomats accredited to the UN in honour of Zambia’s 50th Independence anniversary at the Permanent Mission in New York that Zambia remained committed to participate in multilateral affairs.
“Your presence here speaks to Zambia’s good neighbourliness both in the Southern African community and the international community at large. I thank you for the messages of goodwill and solidarity from your Governments, which further reaffirm that Zambia is a good member?of the international community with a wide circle of friends,” she said.
In a statement issued by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at Zambia’s Permanent Mission to the UN Chibaula Silwamba, Dr Kasese-Bota said Zambia looked forward to continued warm relations at bilateral and multilateral levels and to continued partnerships for?prosperity.
As Zambia was celebrating her Golden Jubilee last Friday, the country was also marking her 50th anniversary of its membership to the UN.
“Since joining the United Nations community on December 1, 1964, Zambia has been and continues to be committed to the promotion and adherence to the ideals and principles of the United Nations charter,” Dr Kasese-Bota said.
She paid glowing tribute to former President Kenneth Kaunda and his fellow freedom fighters for helping the country to gain independence.
“These gallant men and women, in their wisdom, were not satisfied with Zambia’s independence alone, they went further to join hands with their brothers and sisters in southern Africa, and indeed the whole continent of Africa to fight colonialism,” Dr Kasese-Bota said.
Zambia has an unbroken and impeccable period of political stability and peaceful co-existence due to the practice of its national motto of One Zambia, One Nation.
Dr Kasese -Bota said the political stability and social harmony has been the platform upon which the economic growth and macroeconomic stability has been anchored.
She explained that Zambians had exhibited their commitment to upholding democracy through good governance and the rule of law, transparency, accountability and upholding human rights.
Government continues to open the country to science, technology and management systems, new ideas and skills from all over the world to create a better life for all, particularly the poor and marginalised.
The ambassadors and diplomats congratulated Zambia on her Golden Jubilee.
Zambian gospel songbird, Suwilanji, who performed at the event, mesmerised the UN diplomatic community with her smooth voice and well-choreographed dance.