•A HEROES WELCOME: PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu and First Lady Esther being mobbed by a horde of jubilant supporters at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka upon their arrival from France yesterday. (Inset) Mr Lungu, Vice-President , Inonge Wina and Ms Lungu flash the PF symbol. Picture by JEAN MANDELA

By REBECCA MUSHOTA –

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu yesterday returned to Zambia to a resounding welcome at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) after a week’s visit to Europe, a trip he described as overwhelmingly successful.

President Lungu visited the Vatican and France at the invitation of Pope Francis and the French President Francois Hollande, respectively.

He said his trip was meant to promote bilateral relations with the Vatican and France.

Mr Lungu said for the Vatican, the trip was essentially to strengthen bilateral relations between the two States and discuss issues that bordered on peace and security.

The trip to France mainly dealt with economic matters between the two countries.

Mr Lungu said the trip was an overwhelming success.

“Zambia has been quiet on the diplomatic front and in the economic area. It is time we benefited from being part of the United Nations,” President Lungu said.

He said Zambia had passed a number of opportunities to establish trade relations with other countries.

President Lungu said Zambia needed to make up for those opportunities.

The President was speaking to journalists at the airport.

President Lungu arrived at KKIA about 14:30 hours with the First Lady Esther, and State House and Government officials.

He was met by Vice-President Inonge Wina, defence chiefs and Government officials.

Hundreds of Patriotic Front (PF) cadres, party officials, students and sports fans were on hand to receive the President.