•Zambia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ireland, Paul Lumbi (right) presents the letter of Credence to Irish President Michael Higgins at the Aras Uachtarain (Presidential Palace) on January 16, 2014. Pictures courtesy of Zambia’s High Commission to the United Kingdom (UK).
By CHARITY MOONGA –
IRISH President Michael Higgins has commended Zambia for its impressive economic progress and improved governance as a middle-income country.
Mr Higgins has since pledged Irish additional programme support to Zambia to help the country consolidate its position as a middle-income country.
This is contained in a Press statement issued by Press secretary at the Zambian High commission in the United Kingdom, Amos Chanda.
The statement stated that the Irish president said Zambia had made impressive economic progress and improved governance overtime, and Ireland was, therefore, committed to helping the country consolidate its economic gains.
Mr Higgins made the remarks at the Aras Uachtarain (Presidential Palace) on January 16, 2014 when he received credentials from Zambia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ireland, Paul Lumbi.
“We have been friends for a long time and we have provided assistance in many areas, especially in the health and education sectors,” President Higgins said. “With Zambia becoming a middle-income country, Ireland is still committed to continued cooperation through programme support.”
And Mr Lumbi thanked President Higgins for the assistance Ireland had given Zambia since the two sister nations established diplomatic relations in 1965.
“I am a bearer of a special message from your counterpart, His Excellency Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia. I am most pleased to have been granted this audience to present my letters of credence to formally begin my mission to take the excellently warm and cordial relations between Zambia and Ireland,” Mr Lumbi said.
He said Zambia was grateful for the great contributions Ireland had made towards the development of the nation, particularly in the areas of education, health, water and sanitation and governance, among others.
Mr Lumbi said Ireland’s goal as set out in the Zambia Country Strategy Paper 2013-2017 provided a comprehensive framework for delivering shared objectives.
“This Strategy is indeed working successfully in reducing chronic poverty, vulnerability and inequality in Zambia. This is in line with our Sixth National Development Plan,” Mr Lumbi said.
“Ireland is one of Zambia’s most significant bilateral partners, contributing immensely in various sectors, including the training of Zambian pilots, military personnel, teachers, and doctors, among other professionals.”
Mr Lumbi also requested the Irish government to expedite Zambia’s proposal to re-negotiate bilateral Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (ADTA) between Zambia and Ireland.
He paid tribute to the work of Irish Missionaries who helped build strong foundations in various parts of Zambia, particularly in the delivery of critical services in the health and education sectors.
Mr Lumbi also held consultations with various senior Irish Government officials to discuss a range of bilateral cooperation issues.
