Lusaka, Zambia: Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema welcomed the Diplomatic Corps on Thursday for their annual greeting, highlighting key achievements of 2023 and expressing his desire for continued collaboration.
President Hichilema expressed deep gratitude for the development partners’ support, facilitated by the Diplomatic Corps, particularly in tackling Zambia’s debt burden. He praised the ongoing joint efforts to finalize the debt restructuring process, stressing the importance of safeguarding the progress made and avoiding setbacks.
The President also commended the swift response of the diplomatic community during the recent cholera outbreak in Lusaka. Acknowledging the tragic loss of life, he reiterated his commitment to preventing future outbreaks. He emphasized the need for strict adherence to health regulations and local authorities’ directives to prioritize public safety.
Beyond domestic concerns, President Hichilema called for peaceful resolutions to ongoing military conflicts across the globe. He reaffirmed his government’s dedication to deepening Zambia’s democracy, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding human rights.
Looking ahead, the President expressed his strong desire for continued collaboration with development partners. He outlined his vision for a future anchored on the twin pillars of peace, security, and stability, alongside economic diplomacy.