MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperations Stanley Kakubo has reiterated Zambia’s commitment to economic diplomacy and multilateralism in order to safeguard the interests of citizens and consolidate global efforts aimed at promoting collective sustainable growth and development.

And Kakubo has emphasised the importance of training for designated diplomats in government’s quest to enhance operations in its missions abroad.

According to a statement, Tuesday, the minister was speaking through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary for Administration Chembo Mbula during the official opening of the training programme for diplomats at ZIDIS which will run from 19th to 29th April, 2022.

“Hon. Stanley K. Kakubo, M.P, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has emphasized the importance of training for designated Diplomats in the Government’s quest to enhance operations in its missions abroad. Minister Kakubo stated that the Ministry, through the Zambia Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (ZIDIS) will adequately provide the appropriate skills to ensure that the officers are well versed and ready to serve for the betterment of the people. The Minister stated that Zambia’s Missions play a critical role in the country’s development process through among other functions the promotion of investment to Zambia which in turn creates employment and other economic opportunities aimed at improving the wellbeing of the people,” the statement read.

“Minister Kakubo reiterated Zambia’s commitment to economic diplomacy and multilateralism to safeguard the interests of its people and consolidate global efforts aimed at promoting collective sustainable growth and development.”

He underscored the government’s resolve to pursuing a foreign policy based on mutual interest and respect.

“Our Missions abroad are critical to the development of our country Zambia. In order for the government to cement its bilateral and multilateral relations, it depends on the diligent performance of its diplomats. To our diplomats, you will realize that the challenges that lie ahead are huge but not entirely insurmountable. Therefore, the public and leadership have high expectations that you will represent Zambia diligently,” read the statement.