President Lungu thanks Africa for support
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has paid glowing tribute to African leaders for their unwavering support to Zambia’s democratic process and development.
President Lungu says Zambia cherishes the support of other African countries in celebrating the will of her people as reflected in the just ended August 11 general elections.
ZANIS reports that the Head of State said this yesterday at a State luncheon he hosted following his inauguration as Zambia’s sixth Republican President alongside his running mate Vice President Inonge Wina.
The event was attended by foreign heads of state and government representatives that included Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Botswana’s Ian Khama.
Also in attendance were First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda and Fourth President Rupiah Banda, among other foreign and local dignitaries.
President Lungu called on African counties to embrace peace and oneness as the continent strives to integrate and develop to meet the contemporary needs of its people.
And giving a reciprocal toast, Vice President of Kenya William Ruto commended President Lungu for a deserved victory in the August 11 polls.
Mr Ruto said President Lungu’s re-election demonstrates that he has what it takes to govern Zambia.
The Kenyan Vice President thanked Zambians for the peaceful elections as it has showed the world how Africa’s democracy has matured.
Mr Ruto saluted Africa’s founding fathers that include Kenneth Kaunda, Julius Nyerere, Jomo Kenyatta for liberating the continent from the shackles of colonisation and oppression.
He urged President Lungu to lead Africa’s new generation of leaders to unify the continent and its people that were divided by colonialists.
The Kenyan Vice President further hailed President Lungu for reiterating the need for Africa to develop infrastructure and industrialise in order to improve people’s lives.
Mr Ruto said there is need for African Countries to cement trade ties and links through implementation of free trade areas.
The prevailing trade imbalance between Africa and the rest of the world with Africa importing US$67 billion of goods and services against US$50 billion exports needs to be addressed by investing heavily in agro processing, manufacturing and value additions, he observed.
Mr Ruto pointed out that his country remains committed to being a trade and development partner of Zambia adding that that the tripartite electricity project between Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia will benefit other countries such as Sudan and DRC.
The Kenyan Vice President expressed optimism that Africa will by 2015 no longer be a continent riddled by conflicts, underdevelopment and diseases but a region on the path of economic development.