President Lungu consoles Israel, as Israeli Premier invites the President

ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited His Excellency Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu President of the Republic of Zambia to visit the State of Israel following his re-election as President in the 11th August, 2016 general elections.

Earlier last year, Mr Netanyahu had written to President Lungu inviting him to undertake a State visit to Israel.

The Israeli Prime Minister wants to host the President in Jerusalem at the earliest possible time convenient to the President.
The Prime Minister says he wants to discuss many ways to expand cooperation between Zambia and Israel.

Mr Netanyahu has reiterated his Government’s commitment to further strengthen Israel’s close partnership with Zambia in agriculture, alternative energy, health, and water management among other sectors.

The Israeli Prime Minister expressed happiness for meeting President Lungu at the Uganda Summit meeting in July.

Mr Netanyahu said this in a congratulatory message to President Lungu on his re-election as President of the Republic of Zambia following the 11th August, 2016 general elections.

“Dear Mr. President, dear friend, please accept my warm personal congratulations on your re-election as President of the Republic of Zambia. I wish you continued success in leading your country,” Mr Netanyahu said.

Meanwhile, President Lungu has sent a message of condolences to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, following the death of former President and Prime Minister of Israel, His Excellency Mr Shimon Peres on 28th September, 2016.

The President has stated that it is with deep sense of sorrow that He learnt of the death of the former Israeli President and Prime Minister.

President Lungu said Mr Peres was resilient in his attempts to attain sustainable peace and security in the Middle East describing him as a beacon of hope for a safer Israeli State with its neighbour, Palestine.

The President has said this was demonstrated in the Nobel Peace Prize that he was awarded, for his efforts to conclude the Oslo Peace Accords.

This legacy, the President has noted, matched with Mr Netanyahu’s instrumental role in the creation of the State of Israel, will serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come.

“It is unfortunate that Israel has lost a pillar of strength and an advocate for peace. The Zambian people join the people of Israel during this period of grief and it is our sincere hope that the Government and people of Israel will find solace and strength to deal with this loss,” President Lungu said.