President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has received letters of credence from ambassador designates accredited to Zambia from Cuba, Egypt, Romania, Netherlands, Korea and the Greece.

According to a statement issued by State House yesterday, President Lungu said it was his desire to further enhance cooperation in various fields for the mutual benefit of countries.

Welcoming Ambassador Nelson Pagés Vilas of the republic of Cuba, President Lungu stated that Zambia was grateful for the continued support received from the Cuban government.

“Your Excellency, MR Nelson Pagés Vilas ambassador of the republic of Cuba: Zambia and Cuba have enjoyed a long-term friendship and continue to share warm relations based on common values, mutual respect and interests. This has been demonstrated by several high level exchange visits. The two countries work closely at international fora, particularly at the United Nations and the non-aligned movement, to safeguard the interests of developing countries. My government is therefore, grateful for the support that we continue to receive from the Cuban government. Cuba plays a pivotal role in our country particularly in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture and culture. We remain committed to expanding our economic relations with Cuba. Your Excellency, you are welcome to Zambia,” President Lungu stated.

Welcoming Ambassador Ahmed Mostafa Abdel Aal of the Arab republic of Egypt, President Lungu stated that it was his desire that the various areas of cooperation which were discussed during his visit to that countrywere timely implemented.

“Your excellency, Mr Ahmed Mostafa Abdel Aal ambassador of the arable republic of Egypt, relations between Zambia and Egypt have continued to grow from strength to strength as evidenced by my fruitful state visit to Egypt in December, 2017. It is therefore my desire that the various areas of cooperation which were discussed during the visit are timely implemented. Our key areas of mutual interest are defence and security, trade and investment, fisheries, irrigation, energy, and vocational training. We also need to fully implement the agreements signed between our two countries on youth and sport, health and tourism. Zambia looks forward to the 5th session of the Zambia-Egypt joint permanent commission of cooperation, which will be hosted by Egypt. Your Excellency, welcome to Zambia,” President Lungu said.

President Lungu then welcomed Ambassador Marius Constantine Boranescu of the republic of Romania.

“Your Excellency Mr Marius Constantine Boranescu of the republic of Romania: Zambia and Romania enjoy warm relations, which can be traced to Zambia’s independence. These relations provide a conducive platform for increased interaction between the two countries. Following the recent visit of a senior government official from your foreign ministry, Zambia is keen to increase the level of cooperation between our two governments. It is gratifying to note that Romania has a well-developed road and rail network with a fast growing rural tourism industry focusing on folklore and traditions. Your Excellency, we look forward to your tour of duty in Zambia,” President Lungu statted.

Welcoming Ambassador Barbra Maria van Hellemond of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, President Lungu stated that there was still vast potential for enhanced bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

“Zambia and Netherlands have continued to be cooperating partners in various sectors. There is still vast potential for enhanced bilateral cooperation between the two countries especially in agriculture, water management, human resources development, health, and aviation. My government is keen on exploiting these sectors as priority areas in our national development agenda. Netherlands is renowned for its successful agriculture diversity. This is due to its innovative agri-food technology and a competitive export sector which has continued to significantly contribute to your country’s GDP. We are therefore keen to tap into this potential to enhance our cooperation and for the mutual benefit of Zambia and the Netherlands,” President Lungu stated.

To Ambassador Cho Jai-Che of the republic of Korea, President Lungu said he had no doubt Zambia and Korea would enhance cooperation in agriculture and energy sectors.

“Your Excellency, Mr Cho Jai-Che ambassador of the republic of Korea, Zambia greatly values the warm bilateral relations that it shares with the republic of Korea. We are grateful to Korea for the support that it continues to render to Zambia in various sectors. I have no doubt that Zambia and Korea will enhance cooperation in agriculture and energy sectors. Your Excellency, you are welcome,” President Lungu stated.

Welcoming Ambassador George l. Marcantonatos of the Hellenic republic, President Lungu stated Greece’s recent economic recovery following the financial crisis it experienced was an inspiration to Zambia

“Your excellency, Mr George l. Marcantonatos ambassador of the Hellenic republic, Greece’s recent economic recovery following the financial crisis the country experienced in 2008 and 2009, is an inspiration to Zambia. Zambia has noted with admiration that Greece has a well-developed tourism sector, which contributes about 18 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Zambia looks forward to working closely with Greece on best practices aimed at improving our tourism sector in order to create jobs and wealth for the Zambian people,” stated President Lungu.

“Your excellences, I am confident that during your tours of duty in Zambia, you will make personal efforts to sustain the growing momentum of cooperation and dialogue between Zambia and your respective countries. As I conclude, my government looks forward to further strengthening bilateral cooperation in many areas of mutual interest with all your countries.