In his address to Members of the European Parliament, President Hakainde Hichilema thanked the European Parliament for its support, advocated closer relations with the EU and condemned the war against Ukraine.
“Zambia is back in business, in the Champions league”, President Hichilema said, referring to the results of country’s most recent elections.
He reiterated Zambia’s commitment to put people’s interests, reforms, free media, the rule of law, youth and education at the top of his political agenda.
He advocated for enhanced Africa- EU cooperation, more trade, and more exchange of knowledge.
“We categorically say no to the war in Ukraine. It is tragic and heart-breaking to witness the thousands of lives lost and millions displaced unnecessarily, as a result of an avoidable conflict in Ukraine”, President Hichilema said, while speaking about peace and security in the world.
He added that the impact of the war is felt in his country in the form of higher fuel, food and fertilizers prices, and he urged all parties to focus more on improving the lives of people, not waging war.
President Hichilema also offered his help in overcoming food shortages.
President Hichilema also expressed his profound gratitude for the support of the European Parliament for him and for Zambia during his incarceration and the dark days of Zambia’s democratic development.
“I remain indebted to you for standing up for human rights and freedom of all people in Zambia”, he said.
Introducing President Hichilema European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said Zambia stands as an example of a mature democracy for the whole of the African continent.
“Now more than ever, in the current troubled geopolitical context and during Russia’s efforts to increase its influence in Africa, Zambia’s progress needs to be supported,” he said.
President Metsola also reminded MEPs that back in 2017, Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the incarceration of President Hichilema on politically motivated charges.
Bally deserves commendation for the methodical way in which he is rebuilding Zambia’s image on the international stage… next will credible follow investments.Image is everything whether you are in business or as a country.
Those PF characters who are wasting their energy on criticising his trips abroad are nothing but detractors who would like the UPND govt to fail so that in their dreams PF may come back again to loot our country some more…… it will NEVER happen !!
This nation will never be the same after 10 years of Bally….. get that straight.
There’s a bemba adage and I quote Äkacila kambushi kasengula apo kekele” loosely translated that you must begin to make life enjoyable with the immediate environment before you look at the external sphere. People must praise you gloriously at home before the outsiders see your hard work..
Zambians can’t afford basic necessities at the moment but Bally presented a different picture to the EU Parliament yesterday.
Bally and his friends in the driving seat must lower the cost of living, Its getting way beyond the reach of many including the working class. Ukwali nsoke takwifile bantu. Napita naya!!
You go all the way to address countries that stole our resources during scramble for Africa and think it is an achievement. But it doesn’t surprise us because we know you are in bed with these people having undervalued our resources to sell to them during privatisation. You are a traitor hh
umusungu atota and tatotatota
CAF,CONCAF EUFA OR OCEANIA?
Some parts of that speech were seriously embarrassing to the nation. HH should be strategic when it come to national issues. Please enjoy your honeymoon with these Musungus before they start scrutinising you and distorting your government through the opposition in the same manner. Our president is either very naive or he has tricks up his sleeve. Mr president you need to stop painting a dark picture of our wonderful country every time you go out begging. As you said “Zambia is back in the champions league” so please deal with our local issues and stop this business of blaming the previous government. You speak so much about corruption but till this day, no one has been arrested and charged. What are you waiting for? We appreciate your efforts but that speech confirmed that the EU…
We appreciate your efforts but that speech confirmed that the EU interfered with our elections in ushering in a puppet government.
Contrast this speech with lungus………
Who’s only speech of note was to an empty UN, with a hangover………..
………..l speak,speak,speak people clap.I liked speaking when l was at school, and l spoke people clapped.I looked behind people were clapping and in the ceiling birds were watching and wondering as they looked down.