The Zambian diplomatic mission in South Africa says the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) has applauded the country’s growth of democracy.
In a statement, First Secretary for Press and Public Relations, Naomi Nyawali SADC Executive Secretary Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax praised Zambia for remaining a beacon of democracy on the continent.
“Speaking during the official opening of the SADC Council of Ministers, SADC Executive Secretary Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax praised Zambia and others that recently held national elections for holding credible, peaceful and free and fair elections.
She said Zambia, Lesotho and Seychelles held elections that were monitored by international observers including SADC and that the elections were held in a free and fair atmosphere.
“We are proud of the region. Zambia, Lesotho and Seychelles held very successful and credible elections. We congratulate the governments of Zambia, Lesotho and Seychelles for this growth in Democracy,” meanwhile,
Zambia was represented by Minister of National Planning Development Lucky Mulusa, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Margaret Mwanakatwe and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Harry Kalaba.
The technical team was led by Permanent Secretaries Kayula Siame and Lombe Chalwe.
The meeting opened on 10th August 2017, discussing among other things, energy, disaster preparedness, agriculture development, climate change, regional cooperation, banking and financial matters, quest to honour founding fathers and anti-poaching strategies. Other matters were peace and security, trade and investment, as well as regional integration in the region.
President Edgar Lungu is expected to arrive in Pretoria on Friday 18th August 2017 to attend the Heads of State Summit Meeeting.
South Africa and President Jacob Zuma will take over the SADC 2017-2018 Chairmanship while President Edgar Lungu will take over the critical organ of Defense and Security.
