Hichilema calls on diplomatic community to work with Zambia in deepening democracy

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the diplomatic community to feel free to engage his government on any matter affecting the country.

Hichilema said the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) administration was open to dialogue, consultation, advice and suggestions.

The President said this when he met Diplomats accredited to Zambia at Lusaka’s Intercontinental Hotel on Friday.

He stated that government’s vision was one which was anchored on common interest between government to government, and many multilateral organizations.

“The country is determined to return its membership in international organizations which it once was part of in the past,” Hichilema said.

The President reiterated that the country’s pillar was anchored on peace, security and stability, stressing that the government wants to see a peaceful world.

He also said the other pillar his administration would continue pursuing was economic diplomacy so as to advance the country’s economic development agenda.

“I want to urge you to work with government to deepen democracy as demonstrated through the abolishment of death penalty and removal of the defamation of the President clause from the statutes,” Hichilema advised.

He cited others as the ongoing review of the Public Order Act, Child Code Act and the law to curtail excess borrowing which had been put in place.

The President said Zambia being a member of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and other regional blocks would continue advocating for the actualisation of the Africa Free Trade Agreement agenda.

“This year government will focus on economic expansion and job creation which in turn will lead to supporting the social sector and improve lives of young people, the aged, disabled and disadvantaged groups in society,” Hichilema added.

He also called for the promotion of peace and security in the region and expressed happiness that despite challenges, elections were held in Zimbabwe, Eswatini and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hichilema further called for close collaboration between his administration and the international community in supporting the country’s social economic development agenda.

“I want to reaffirm my government’s commitment to upgrading the densely populated unplanned settlements by improving water and sanitation services to avert outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases,” the Head of Stated committed.

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