.Kaunda

By SAM PHIRI –

BRITISH High Commissioner James Thornton has paid tribute to First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda for his role in creating a peaceful and unified Zambia after independence.
Mr Thornton described Dr Kaunda as a leading African leader whom he never believed he could meet until he came to Zambia to serve as High Commissioner.
The departing British High Commissioner said this on Friday when he bade farewell to Dr Kaunda and Vice-President Inonge Wina.
With the Vice-President, Mr Thornton discussed a range of issues that included the possible investment forum for Zambia in London later this year.
He described Zambia as a peaceful and democratic country with welcoming people from across the nation.
“I have travelled to many parts of this beautiful country Zambia and will take with me good memories about the country to Bolivia (his next posting),” he said.
Mr Thornton noted that there were personal links between the British Royal Family and the First Republican President.
“Manifestations of this included the visit by Princess Anne, the Princess visited Dr Kaunda in hospital at the beginning of her visit to Zambia in September 2012; and the attendance by Dr Kaunda at a lunch given by Mr Thornton for Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, during the latter’s visit to Zambia in October 2013,” he said.
Mr Thornton has served as British High Commissioner to Zambia since January 2012 and leaves for Bolivia soon.