Zambia is Not Sitting Idle, Levy Tells French Envoy

By Chansa Kabwela

Lusaka — ZAMBIA is not just sitting idle waiting for the international community to solve its problems, President Levy Mwanawasa has said.

And incoming French ambassador to Zambia, Francis Saudubray, said the future of Africa lay in the hands of the local people.

Receiving credentials from ambassadors of France, Serbia, and Montenegro, and Morocco, President Mwanawasa said much as Zambia had various challenges to face such as poverty and HIV/AIDS, efforts were being made to contain the problems.

President Mwanawasa also expressed sadness at the loss of 45 Kawambwa High School pupils and 51 BGRIMM workers, saying that Zambia had been robbed of a crucial human resource that would never be replaced.

"Zambia faces a great challenge in the fight against HIV and AIDS, which is robbing the nation of its vital human resource at a time when they would contribute more to Zambia's development," President Mwanawasa said.

"HIV has created other social problems such as increased numbers of street children and orphans. The multiplier effect of the scourge has contributed to high poverty levels. But we are not just sitting waiting for the international community to help us."

President Mwanawasa said the government was committed to the development of the private sector and had signed a number of agreements for the promotion of investment with European Union member states.

He hailed France for its continued support to Zambia and said that the French government should re-instate the embassy's economic section to Zambia.

"Zambia is committed to ensuring political and economic stability both locally and in the region," he said.

President Mwanawasa further hailed Serbia (former Yugoslavia) for its great strides towards territorial harmony and sovereignty.

He said Zambia's relations with Serbia would continue in sectors such as education and transport, adding that there was a need for enhanced cooperation both politically and economically.

President Mwanawasa further called for increased trade between Zambia and Morocco.

"Morocco has made great strides in the tourism sector and Zambia can learn from that. Morocco should also reconsider its stance regarding its withdrawal from the African Union in that it played a crucial role in the formation of the then Organisation of African Union," President Mwanawasa said.

And Ambassador Saudubray said although France and Europe had a policy for Africa, which espoused peace, development and stability, Africa could stand on its own.

"France salutes all African initiatives of the African Union, Southern African Development Commission and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and it will take sides with you to strengthen your peacekeeping capacity. Apart from helping in various areas, such as education, France will cancel over K600 billion (100 million euros) of debt, since Zambia has reached the Highly Indebted Poor Countries completion point," ambassador Saudubray said.

"France, being the largest donor among the G8, will continue to advocate a multipolar world, characterised by respect, tolerance and dialogue. France has also taken measures to stabilise the price of raw materials on which export earnings for African countries depend. We support fair trade with African countries, especially in cotton. "

Ambassador Saudubray, who also expressed his condolences on the death of 45 Kawambwa pupils and 51 BGRIMM workers who perished recently, urged Zambia to ensure political stability and economic development in the eastern and southern regions of Africa.

He said human rights and democracy were inseparable from the fight for development.

And Serbia and Montenegro ambassador to Zambia Srdjan Hofman said Zambia, as a country, was an example of political stability and economic development.

Ambassador Hofman said Serbia, despite having experienced a painful transition, would continue to advance bilateral relationships.

"Zambia has a successful struggle for sustainable economic development and as part of our global policy, Serbia will continue to advance ties in areas such as technology transfer and politics. There is a need to re-establish future development of economic, cultural and scientific collaborations and broaden cooperation of experts to ensure that our two nations benefit greatly," Ambassador Hofman said.

And Moroccan ambassador to Zambia Abdella Aitelhadj, based in Angola, said the time had come for Zambia and Morocco to interact fully through ministerial exchange visits.

Ambassador Aitelhadj said Morocco would continue to promote solidarity and peace on the African continent to ensure brotherhood.

Source: https://allafrica.com/stories/200504290749.html