Zambia mourns with Greece

President Edgar Lungu has sent a message of condolences to his counterpart President Prokopis Pavlopoulos of Greece following the death of 90 people in wild fires.
90 People have died while over 200 people have been seriously injured in Athens and surrounding areas.
In a letter, President Lungu expressed deep sorrow at the tragic death and severe injuries following the massive outbreak of wildfires in the Greek Capital.
The President says the people of Zambia commiserate with the Greeks during this trying moment and prayed that God grants fortitude and solace to the bereaved families.
President Lungu also wished the injured a quick recovery.
Meanwhile, President Lungu has met with Norway’s Ambassador to Zambia Kikkan Haugen and outgoing Canadian High Commissioner to Zambia Ian Myles in separate meetings at State House.
The President described Norway’s bilateral relations with Zambia as inspirational because the common values that bind the two countries, were underpinned by democratic tenets of respect for human rights, rule of law and good governance.
And President Lungu says as Zambia assumes its role of Chairmanship of the SADC Organ on peace, defence and Security this August, he is confident that Norway will escalate its support to the country in its quest to foster peace in the region and entire African continent.
Meanwhile, Mr. Haugen assured the President that despite the closure of the embassy in 2016, Norway will continue to provide support to Zambia in various sectors and that it has continued to do so to date.
He also praised the President and the Government for the active role that Zambia was playing in regional and global matters saying the country was a shining example to other countries in the region and the global community.
Mr. Haugen pledged Norway’s continued support to Zambia as it pursues its role of fostering peace in the region and the entire African continent.
He also used the meeting to officially introduce to the President, Norway’s Honorary Consul to Zambia, Boyd Simpoza.
Meanwhile, During the meeting with the outgoing Canadian High Commissioner to Zambia, President Lungu said Zambia remains committed to championing democratic principles such as good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
President Lungu lauded the excellent relations between Zambia and Canada founded on a shared history of membership to the Commonwealth, friendship, democracy, good governance, rule of law and respect for human rights.
And bidding farewell to the President, Mr. Myles hailed Zambia’s organization of local elections and hoped that this would create a good atmosphere for the 2021 general elections.
He praised Zambia’s significant contribution to the region and the African continent and noted that Africa needs role models such as Zambia.
This is according to a statement released to ZNBC News by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda.