Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Malanji has appealed for support from the diplomatic corps as the country assumes Chair of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation in August this year.

Meanwhile acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Apostolic Nuncio Julio Murat appealed to the diplomats to convey to their governments to support Zambia economically as it helps refugees.

Speaking when he met members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Zambia Tuesday, Milanji announced that the country was making final preparations to host the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) through which the country would contribute to the development of the African continent.

“Zambia is making final preparations to host the Economic, Social and Cultural Council through which the country would contribute to the economic, social and cultural development of the African continent. I look forward to Zambia hosting more international organisations in the spirit of multilateralism. I wish to assure you that I’m committed to steering the ministry in fulfilling it’s mandate of promoting and maintaining international relations in pursuit of Zambia’s Foreign Policy,” Malannji said.

“I will also continue to facilitate the implementation of the ministry’s strategic plan which is in line with 7NDP as a means of responding to the dynamic and emerging issues on the global arena. As you may be aware, peace and security is a prerequisite for sustainable development. In this regard, as Zambia assumes Chair of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation in August 2018. I therefore appeal to you all to support our efforts and call on your continued assistance to Zambia to enable the country effectively fulfil its role.”

And Milanji said he was looking forward to promoting bilateral and multilateral interactions to consolidate diplomatic ties.

“In 2017, Zambia hosted several Heads of States and government and His Excellency, Mr Edgar Lungu undertook several state visits to various countries aimed at consolidating our relations and strengthening bilateral cooperation. In the same vein I equally look forward to further promoting our bilateral and multilateral interactions to consolidate these ties,” said Malanji.

Meanwhile, the Nuncio appealed to diplomats to support Zambia economically as it helps refugees.

“Zambia has continued with the foreign policy on peace and stability. Her hospitality is not only to those who come to visit the natural beauty of this land but also to the immigrants or the refugees who, due to the difficulties they are faced with, are forced to leave their countries of origin. With this regard, the international community, the United Nations, in particular the High Commission for Refugees is working with the government of Zambia to alleviate the suffering of these people. I wish to appeal to my colleagues to convey to their own governments to support Zambia economically to be able to help these people,” said Murat.