Zambia is a peaceful, stable and sovereign nation which remains open for partnership and investments, President Hakainde Hichilema has told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Addressing the 81 session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Saturday, President Hichilema whose speech was read by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe, said that Zambia was not at war and urged the international community, the private sector and the country’s friends around the world to continue to work with his administration to advance the Grow Zambia Agenda.
The Head of State said that the peaceful atmosphere before, during and after last month’s general elections was a clear reflection of Zambians’ enduring commitment to peace, democracy, national unity and constitutional governance.
The President said that despite political differences that naturally accompany a democratic election, Zambia had demonstrated that such differences could and should be managed peacefully through established constitutional and legal institutions.
“Our democratic process should never be mistaken for conflict or instability. We therefore reaffirm our unwavering commitment preserving Zambia’s long-standing tradition of peace. We will continue to ensure that political differences are addressed through the due process of the law and will take all necessary measure within the confines of our Constitution and laws, to prevent political disputes from degenerating into violence, armed mobilisation, insurgency or the emergence of militia groups,” President Hichilema said.
The President said that Zambia needed partnerships, investment, innovation, technology, skills and sustained development cooperation to unlock its full economic potential.
He encouraged cooperating partners to view Zambia through the lens of the peace and stability that had defined the country and to deepen support for programmes promoting inclusive economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development, human capital development, agriculture, energy, health and other priority areas.
“Our message is clear: Zambia is at peace, Zambia is open for partnership and Zambia is ready to grow,” the Head of State said.
