From KAIKO NAMUSA in Maputo, Mozambique –
PRESIDENT Lungu has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring 40 per cent women representation in various elective positions as the country heads to the polls on August 11.
Mr Lungu said women should rise to the occasion and position themselves to take up leadership and other decision-making positions.
His special assistant for Press and public relations, Amos Chanda told journalists that the Head of State said this during a closed-door meeting with Mozambican Speaker of the National Assembly, Veronica Dlhovo.
This was when Mr Lungu paid a courtesy call on her at her office at the Assembleia da Republica (National Assembly) here yesterday.
President Lungu said he was happy that Mozambique had a female Speaker of the National Assembly and congratulated her for the achievement.
Mr Lungu discussed a number of bilateral issues with Ms Dlhovo who thanked Zambia for her efforts in the liberation struggle and ending civil war in that country.
During the meeting, President Lungu also emphasised the need to increase and enhance trade between the two countries through improved transportation in the Nacala Corridor.
He noted the importance of bilateral engagements on peace and security in the two countries and commended Mozambique for its efforts in steering the SADC troika.
Ms Dlhovo thanked Zambia for accepting to host the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference.
She said Zambia and Mozambique would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding on some parliamentary engagements.
Ms Dlhovo said parliament was an arm of governance that contributes towards the promotion of democracy in both countries.
Meanwhile, Mr Lungu has reiterated his growing concern over the need for Africa to have a permanent seat in the United Nations (UN) Security Council to help shape the destiny of the continent.
President Lungu’s call is shared by many African leaders pushing for a permanent seat at the UN body which, once achieved, would help effectively implement the Agenda 2063, a growth vision for Africa.
Mr Lungu said this during a colourful State banquet hosted in his honour by Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi at State House on Thursday evening, as part of his two-day visit here which is targeted to improve relations with the neighbouring country.
“In order to effectively implement Agenda 2063, as well as respond effectively to the changing global order and the current global challenges, there is need for reforms to be at the heart of the UN’s agenda.
“It is indeed unfortunate that while 70 per cent of issues discussed at the UN are on Africa, we are not permanently represented in the key decision-making processes on issues that concern our beloved continent.
“The reform of the Security Council to include Africa is hence urgently required in order for us to contribute towards effectively addressing global concerns,” he said.
He said the Agenda 2063 instilled hope in the hearts of many African countries, adding that the continent would be a force to reckon with.
He hailed the commitment by other countries in implementing the 10-year plan, by mainstreaming it into the national development plans of respective countries.
Mr Lungu said the visit to Mozambique at the invitation of President Nyusi should not be viewed as an invigoration of a tradition of paying homage to one another, but as transformational and an opportunity to explore new interests.
President Nyusi said despite the vast human and natural resources Zambia and Mozambique were endowed with, both countries lagged behind in terms of trade and the volume of developmental projects, as well as the participation of citizens of the two countries.
“Your State visit is an opportunity to strengthen our economic relations to levels that emulate our excellent political and diplomatic relations,” he said.
He said Mozambique and Zambia should remain an example of harmonious and peaceful interaction by leading in the promotion and maintenance of peace and stability.
The Mozambican leader denounced unconstitutional practices such as greed for power and others that undermined democracy.
He wished Zambia a successful hosting of the August general elections and that it should continue as a shining example for peaceful hosting and transition of power.