PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says the culture of taking from poor people is too much in the country.

Speaking when he swore in Dr Chola Milambo as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) in New York, Wednesday, President Hichilema said serving the public meant putting people first before self.

“To remind you that this is a highly important role you have taken, today the world is facing new challenges that are basically creating insecurity. All our efforts must go towards economic, social development and jobs for our people across the global community. We have military coups on our continent. On the global community, we have the war in Ukraine. This means that diplomacy is taking centre stage to foster dialogue, to restore normalcy. We must ensure peace, we retain peace, security and stability in our global community starting with our individual countries,” said President Hichilema.

“This can be achieved by sensible meaningful dialogue and countries can focus on social and economic advancement. You will be representing us there to foster peace and security. You will be required to represent us highly in line with our country’s foreign policy which is anchored on peace and stability. We wish you well. Serving the public means putting people first before self. It means giving and not taking. The culture of taking is too much in our country from poor people. Please let us give people our service.”