EU Calls Zambia Beacon of Democracy
By Masauso Mkwayaya
The European Union Commission says Zambia remains a beacon of democracy and has encouraged the country to maintain respect for the rule of law as it looks to strengthen relations with the EU.
European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, JOZEF SÍKELA, said this during a Zambia-EU bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA was represented at the meeting by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister MULAMBO HAIMBE, who led the Zambian delegation.
Mr SÍKELA said the EU remains committed to building a forward-looking partnership with Zambia.
He says the EU also recognises Zambia’s continued leadership in support of the United Nations Charter, multilateralism and the rules-based international order.
Meanwhile, Zambia welcomed the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and development cooperation, including budget support of approximately 110 million Euros.
The two sides further reaffirmed the importance of strengthening the Zambia-EU partnership.
Zambia also highlighted the broadly peaceful nature of the August elections and thanked the EU for deploying an election observation mission.
Both sides agreed that post-election developments should not divert attention from opportunities to deepen economic cooperation.
The two parties also agreed to continue working together on matters of international peace and security.
This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC News by First Secretary Press and Public Relations at Zambia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, in New York NAMATAMA NJEKWA.