FOREIGN Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Stanley Kakubo says the UPND administration will prioritise the maintenance of peace and security through active engagement in regional, continental and global initiatives.

And High Commissioner of Malawi and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Warren Gunda expressed confidence in Kakubo’s ability to thrive in his position.

Speaking during a meeting with members of the Diplomatic Corps, Thursday, Kakubo said his government’s ambitious economic blueprint could not be achieved in the absence of peace, security and political stability.

“It is important to note, your Excellencies, that this government will pursue a foreign policy aimed at advancing this transformation agenda where we will prioritize the creation of a stable, credible and predictable environment. This, in essence, will be in fulfillment of our economic diplomacy which will attract and protect foreign direct investment as well as promote local participation in the economy, in order to create jobs and opportunities to improve the well-being of the ordinary Zambian. I am certain that your Excellencies have noted the degree to which President Hakainde Hichilema has continued to place on this matter. The ambitious economic blueprint can certainly not be achieved in the absence of peace, security and political stability,” Kakubo said.

“As we are all aware, Zambia is and continues to be a model of peace and democracy within the region and the continent at large. This was clearly illustrated once again by the peaceful change of leadership following the Presidential and General elections which were held on 12th August 2021. It is for this reason that in the conduct of our foreign relations, this administration will prioritize the maintenance of peace and security through our active engagement in regional, continental and global initiatives.”

Kakubo said government would place emphasis on fostering regional security within SADC as they endeavor to overcome the security challenges from terrorism and violent extremism.

“We will therefore place emphasis on fostering regional security within SADC particularly as we endeavor to overcome the security challenges from terrorism and violent extremism. We therefore, stand ready to engage the international community through various multilateral fora to ensure peace and stability globally. Further, we remain resolute that developing countries’ voices are heard on international matters as enshrined in the UPND manifesto,” he said.

Kakubo said government would also focus on restoring macroeconomic stability, attaining fiscal and debt sustainability and restoring growth and diversifying the economy.

“The UPND government will also focus on priorities which include restoring macroeconomic stability, attaining fiscal and debt sustainability, restoring growth and diversifying the economy, dismantling domestic arrears and managing the contraction of new debt. To reverse the current economic downturn, this government will accelerate economic growth by implementing policy measures to unlock the agriculture, mining, tourism, energy, commerce and industry, green economy, transport as well as information and communication technology sectors. These have the potential to create jobs for the Zambian people and create the much needed revenue to support debt servicing and the socio-economic development of the country,” he said.

“Regarding public diplomacy, I wish to assure Your Excellencies that my ministry will endeavor to hold regular engagements, interactions and briefings with you on various matters and topical issues.”

And in his vote of thanks, Gunda expressed confidence in Kakubo’s capacity to marshal his ministry.

“We join the Head of State in expressing our confidence and trust that in your capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs Zambia, you will excel and take over the political leadership over a time-tested team under your Permanent Secretary. It goes without saying, honorable minister, our operations as Envoys in this lovely country, depends to a very large extent on the relations between us and indeed, your ministry. And let me say it categorically here that your ministry and the diplomats that have had the opportunity to serve in this country have been cherishing splendid working relations between each other. But just as in all aspects of life, there is always room for improvement. Even more so now that we are forced to conduct business with some restrictions on account of the global coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

Gunda appealed to the Foreign Affairs Minister to put in place possible plans for the Head of State to receive letters of Credence from envoys, stating that some of his colleagues have been waiting since May 2021.

“We very much appreciate the threat of the COVID-19 however, we humbly appeal to your good office that some of our colleagues be granted the opportunity to present their letters of credence to His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia. We are aware that not long ago, the country was on the campaign trail that combined with the ever-rising COVID-19 infection cases, put possible plans for the Head of State to receive letters of Credence from envoys. Some colleagues have been waiting since May 2021. But it’s understandable under the extenuating circumstance. However, it is our humble request that you consider the waiting colleagues to enable them to execute their duties to the full, taking into consideration of course the COVID-19 environment we are operating currently,” he said.

Gunda said the diplomatic corps were looking forward to meeting President Hichilema.

“Just to point out, honourable Minister, that there is an apparent established tradition in the ministry that the envoys have such a Meet and Greet event with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and this is, without fail, followed through with a similar event with the Head of State, the President. I have no doubt that the diplomatic corps is now ready, looking forward to the first Meet with His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia at his most appropriate and convenient timing,” said Gunda.