United States President Donald Trump says Zambia is a model democracy in Africa.

According to a statement issued by Zambia’s First Secretary-Press and Public Relations in Washington DC Cosmas Chileshe, President Trump was speaking when he received Dr Ngosa Simbyakula’s letters of credence at the White House yesterday.

Chileshe stated that President Trump also noted that Zambia and the United States shared common values and interests of fostering peace and stability with a sound record of commitment to democracy and democratic transitions.

President Trump also applauded Zambia’s diplomatic engagements and commitment to providing peacekeepers to the United Nations mission in the Central African Republic.

He noted that Zambia had continued to welcome refugees from its neighbouring countries and other African nations.

“These actions help stabilize the region. The United States values our partnership with Zambia and will continue to work with you to increase mutually beneficial trade and investment. We will continue with efforts to spur economic growth and promoting good governance and shared priorities between our two countries,” President Trump said.

“It is with great pleasure that I accept your letter of credence which establishes you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Zambia, and I acknowledge receipt of the letter of Recall of your predecessor, Ambassador Palan Mulonda, who represented Zambia in the United States. I look forward to working with you to preserve and strengthen Zambia’s leadership in promoting peace, stability, and good governance and advance our common interests to deepen the strong partnership. Welcome to the United States.”

And Ambassador Simbyakula said Zambia and the US had maintained close bilateral relations based on mutual values and shared interests.

He said the Zambian government appreciated the US’ assistance through United States Agency for International Development (USAID) focusing on areas such as agriculture, education, health and economic growth.

In addition, Zambia is an active participant in the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) which works closely with the Zambian Government in combating the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

“The people and Government of Zambia also appreciate the benefits accrued from the work of the Millennium Challenge Account in Lusaka which is focusing on business reforms and improving water supply and sanitation. Furthermore, Zambia is grateful for the opportunity created by the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to facilitate trade with the United States,” said Ambassador Simbyakula.