The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikola Selaković, stated today that the officials of Zambia expressed great and selfless gratitude to Serbia for the donation of 50,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine against corona virus, which will be handed to them as a donation of our country.

Continuing his visit to the African continent, Selaković met in Zambia with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zambia Chalwe Lombe, with whom he discussed raising the level of our diplomatic presence in Zambia and the appointment of a new Serbian ambassador to that country, as well as the possibility of opening an embassy of Zambia in Belgrade, which, he says, is what we hope and believe will be done soon.

 "I had the opportunity to exchange some very important information with our friend and we had a good conversation, considering that they are preparing for the inauguration of their newly elected president. During the conversation, one could first recognize a great and selfless gratitude of the people of Zambia for the donation we will make to Zambia, which consists of 50,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine", said Minister Selaković.

He emphasized that at the meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zambia once again reiterated his firm and clear support for our territorial integrity and sovereignty, but also expressed interest in attending the 60th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement, which Serbia will mark together with Azerbaijan on 11 and 12 October in Belgrade.

Minister Selaković reminded that this was his second visit to Zambia in the last two months and that the first time he came as an envoy of President Aleksandar Vučić to the funeral of the first President of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda.

The head of Serbian diplomacy stated that Zambia is a country in the period of transition of power, that the presidential speeches in that country were held less than eight days ago, and that the newly elected president, who, as he states, fought for that position for many years, is also a great friend of Serbia and our people.

 "Zambia is a rising country in this region, it is becoming the epicenter of economic activity of the entire region in southern Africa, it is a traditional friend of Serbia", says Selaković.

He reminded that Zambia is one of the six countries that raised their hand in the UN in 1992 against the expulsion, that is, the suspension of the then FRY from UN membership, and our traditional, historically good friend and partner.

He emphasized that in the future we should use the chances for the improvement of relations and the development of relations in all fields.

 Selaković handed over the congratulations of the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, to the newly elected President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema.

20. Aug 2021.