Newly accredited United States Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote says he is looking forward to supporting Zambia’s efforts in bringing together the political spectrum to agree on important electoral and constitutional reforms.

Speaking when he presented his credentials to President Edgar Lungu at State House yesterday, Ambassador Foote also said the US government would continue supporting Zambia’s development projects.

“I look forward to further strengthening the U.S. – Zambia partnership to help continue the development and protection of Zambia’s greatest asset, its people. The Embassy devotes significant resources, via numerous agencies, to increase economic prosperity for both of our nations. The U.S. is Zambia’s largest bilateral donor. But our ameasure of success is the lasting partnerships and development advances made in Zambia. At World AIDS Day events on Monday, Zambia demonstrated its commitment to working with international partners, including U.S. PEPFAR, to make people’s futures healthier and more prosperous. I was moved to see the extensive progress of U.S.-Zambia collaboration on overcoming this epidemic, supported by over $3 billion of U.S. assistance in Zambia’s health sector. We are engaged in reform and expansion of Zambia’s energy sector. We work with U.S. firms to provide technology and know-how for Zambia’s agricultural sector. I am excited about the additional opportunities we will forge together between Zambia’s and the United States’ private sector. I look forward to supporting Zambia’s efforts to bring together the political spectrum, to agree on important electoral and constitutional reforms as part of Zambia’s commitment to strengthening governance and institutional independence,” said Ambassador Foote.

“Zambia also takes its regional responsibilities seriously, and we will continue to support Zambia’s dedication to regional engagement, whether through your military’s peacekeeping operations or welcoming policy toward refugees. As Ambassador to the Republic of Zambia, I would very much welcome frequent, productive, and candid dialogue with you and senior members of your government as we work in the spirit of true partnership, friendship and mutual respect to further grow our broad partnership in the areas of trade and investment, education, health, energy, and governance.”

Ambassador Foote was appointed as US Ambassador to Zambia on November 20, 2017.

He is today expected to go back to the United States and return to Zambia in January 2018.