PRESS STATEMENT
For immediate release
Ankara, Friday, May 14, 2021- His Excellency Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey made a phone call to Mrs. Ivy Chilengi, widow of late Zambia’s Ambassador to Turkey, Dr. Joseph Chilengi, to personally convey his message of condolence.
In a telephone conversation that took place around 17:07 hours (local time) on Wednesday, President Erdogan conveyed his message of condolence to Mrs. Chilengi and also on behalf of Turkish First Lady, Mrs. Emine Erdogan.
President Erdogan, who spoke through an interpreter, also informed Mrs. Chilengi that the Turkish Government had prepared a military aircraft to repatriate the remains of Dr. Chilengi to Zambia.
“I wish you God’s blessing during this trying time,” President Erdogan said.
He also pledged the Turkish Government’s support to Mrs. Chilengi and the family.
Earlier in the day, Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps (ADC), who is also Djiboutian Ambassador to Turkey, His Excellency Mr Aden Houssein Abdillahi, led members of the Diplomatic Corps in signing a book of condolence at the Official Residence.
The ADC also donated US$5,000 to the Chilengi family to help with funeral expenses.
Meanwhile, Zambian Students Association in Turkey (ZASAT) president Machoman Mweemba described Dr Chilengi as an understanding parent and leader who appreciated the challenges that students were facing.
“Dr Chilengi was a man who had unquestionable love, patriotism and loyalty to the affairs of our great nation, the Republic of Zambia. The Ambassador will be remembered as a great leader who was there for the association when it needed him most, “Mr Mweemba said.
Ambassador Chilengi died on Tuesday May 11, 2021 at 22:35 hours at Güven Hospital in Ankara where he was receiving medical attention. He was 61 years old.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Zambia Hon. Joseph Malanji M.P announced the sad development in Lusaka.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of our Ambassador accredited to the Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Dr. Joseph Chilengi after a short illness,” Hon. Malanji said.
The Minister regretted the sad loss of Ambassador Chilengi stating that he had worked very hard to promote bilateral and trade relations between the Republic of Zambia and the Republic of Turkey.
Issued by:
Jeremy K. Munthali
First Secretary-Press
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
Approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
