By Bennie Mundando
ZAMBIA and Djibouti have pledged to deepen bilateral and multilateral relations and cooperation.
Presenting his Letters of Credence to the President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Emmanuel Mwamba says Zambia recognises that Djibouti holds one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes of the world and plays a key role in promoting trade and commerce.
Mr. Mwamba says President Edgar Lungu has placed emphasis on economic diplomacy and the diplomatic role of Djibouti was paramount to Zambia and Africa.
And President Ismail Guelleh said he is looking forward to visiting Zambia, recollecting that he last visited Zambia in 2007 and spent time at the Victoria Falls.
He says Africa continues to take pride in Zambia’s first President and pioneer of the Organization of the African Unity (OAU) and now African Union (AU), Kenneth Kaunda.
“I wish Dr. Kaunda good health and continued long life,” President Guelleh said.
Earlier Mr. Mwamba held a meeting with Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf where they discussed aspects of deepening bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Mr. Youssouf says Djibouti appreciates the role Zambia played in SADC and the African Union.
He says Zambia is a peaceful and model country that is bringing new ideas and fresh dynamics to the development of the continent through COMESA and other multilateral institutions.
He has hailed Zambia’s Tourism sector which he says many African countries, including Djibouti, would pick lessons from.
