By SAM PHIRI –

THE United States (US) Government has donated military gear  worth over US$ 850,000 to the Zambian Government for the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR).
The defence materials that included uniforms, helmets, boots and other protective gear were handed over to the Zambia Army in Lusaka yesterday at Arakan Barracks by US Ambassador to Zambia Eric Shultz.
Mr Shultz said the US government was committed to providing the Zambian peace keepers with the best possible equipment to be used during their mission in the troubled nation of CAR.
He said the high-tech materials used for making the American troops’ uniforms were the same as those donated to the Zambian troops.
“Since 2014 the United States has also provided comprehensive training and preparation to the Zambian peacekeeping troops known as the Zambian Battalion 1 or ZAMBAT 1,” he said.
The training for the ZAMBAT 1 illustrated commitment of the US to help Zambia further improve its ability to defend itself and support other African countries.
Mr Shultz said US Government saluted Zambia for its commitment to peacekeeping and joining the UN in protecting civilians.
Defence Deputy Minister Christopher Mulenga who received the equipment on behalf of the Zambian Government commended the US for assisting Zambian defence forces in various ways that included training of personnel.
Mr Mulenga thanked the US Government through the office of the defence attaché for facilitating the training of the troops to be deployed to CAR.
Mr Mulenga restated Government’s commitment to improving the cordial relations between the US and the Zambian armed forces.
Mr Mulenga also urged the troops and command at the Zambia Army headquarters to take good care of the kit and ensure that it was well maintained.