By Time Reporter? –

THE Russian Federation has described Zambia as a reliable, trusted and important partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Russian Ambassador to Zambia Konstantin Kozhanov said Zambia was an influential player on the international political scene globally recognised and praised for her adherence to democratic principles, political stability and efforts in promoting peace and security in conflict-prone areas of Africa.
Mr Kozhanov said at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on Tuesday evening at a reception dedicated to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Zambia.
He described Zambia as one of the fastest growing and dynamic African economies that had evolved through many trials and tribulations.
Russia had heavily contributed towards the sustainable development of Zambia from the early years following the attainment of Independence on October 24, 1964.
Zambia and Russia were expected to strive towards further unlocking and developing the vast potential in trade, economic and investment cooperation.
This was in light of on-going implementation of the revised foreign policy which was recently adopted by the Zambian Government to be focused on economic diplomacy.
“Our predecessors and founding fathers have laid a foundation and given momentum to strengthening of political and economic ties between our two countries and those of us who have picked up the torch are expected to maintain and expand this treasured and memorable experience to coming generations,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the glorious history of friendliness in Zambia-Russia relations which are based on mutual trust and understanding would live on and be further enriched by the positive contribution in the next fifty years.
The celebrations of 50 years of the of diplomatic relations between Zambia and Russia marked five decades of an everlasting friendship and mutually beneficial multi-faceted cooperation in economic, political and humanitarian areas.
Veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga said Zambia and Russia had laid a solid foundation for political and economic cooperation in many fields that also covered science and education.
When Zambia gained Independence, the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) had a large number of Zambian students who went on to occupy important positions in the country as cabinet ministers and managers of critical institutions like the Bank of Zambia (BoZ).
He praised Russia for the support rendered to Zambia in particular and Africa in general during the struggle for freedom.
He said the Russian people treated the Zambians every well because they understood the situation Zambia was going through during the struggle for Independence especially because of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) of Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, which was under the regime of Ian Smith.
Dr Mwaanga, 70, said he was proud to have been the first Zambian ambassador to the former Soviet Union at the age of 21 shortly after the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1964.