Cornelius Mweetwa says government is using diplomatic channels to address concerns over a possible move by the United States to withhold life-saving assistance to Zambia.
Mr Mweetwa said the two governments are actively engaged on the matter and that the nation will be informed once a final position is reached.
Speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Choma, Mr Mweetwa said issues surrounding the potential withdrawal of life-saving support, particularly for people living with HIV, are not suitable for public debate through the media.
According to The New York Times, a draft memo prepared for Marco Rubio by staff in the State Department’s Africa Bureau indicates that the administration of Donald Trump is considering significant cuts to assistance as early as May.
The reported move is aimed at increasing pressure on Zambia to enter into an agreement that would grant the United States greater access to the country’s critical mineral resources.
The actual report is:
Cornelius Mweetwa says government is using diplomatic channels to beg the US not to withhold life-saving assistance to Zambia. Zambia will offer the US greater and greater and greater access to the country’s abundant critical mineral resources
Our minerals have already been given to others Someone lives for today not tomorrow