Angolan Member of Parliament Felino Job says a delegation of four Angolan Members of Parliament is in North-Western Province to engage with Angolan citizens living in Zambia and appreciate their social and economic wellbeing.
Mr Job said the delegation is also engaging various institutions to learn how Zambia manages citizen registration and the provision of related public services.
Speaking when the delegation paid a courtesy call on North-Western Province Permanent Secretary Colonel Grandson Katambi (Retired) in Solwezi, Mr Job said Zambia and Angola continue to enjoy warm bilateral relations, adding that the delegation is interested in seeing how Angolan nationals have integrated with Zambian communities.
“We want to see how our people are doing socially and economically, and also appreciate their wellbeing,” he said.
Mr Job said the visit follows continued cooperation between Zambia and Angola, which was further strengthened after President Hakainde Hichilema’s visit to Angola last year.
He said the two Heads of State have demonstrated commitment to promoting peace, unity and economic development between the two countries.
Mr Job added that the delegation was also keen to learn from various Zambian institutions on how best to improve the welfare of Angolan citizens living in Zambia.
And Colonel Katambi Retired said Zambia has continued to host Angolan nationals, particularly those living in Maheba Refugee Settlement because of the strong historical relationship between the two countries.
He said President Hakainde Hichilema has continued to promote good relations with neighbouring countries, noting that peaceful coexistence was key to economic growth and regional stability.
Colonel Katambi said the New Dawn Administration has encouraged people to live in peace and harmony regardless of nationality.
He said Government’s continued construction of clinics, schools, roads and the provision of electricity and water in refugee settlements demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of displaced persons.
Colonel Katambi also thanked the Angolan Consulate for maintaining cordial relations with Zambia.
“We are all Africans and we should continue living as brothers and sisters. Our two Presidents have shown us how to promote peace, unity and development,” he said.
He further said the close relationship between Zambia and Angola was evident in border communities where citizens from both countries access social services such as schools and health facilities.
Colonel Katambi (retired) said Government was also working on plans to integrate people living in Maheba Refugee Settlement into surrounding communities by allowing them to own land and live freely among other citizens.
He said the move was aimed at removing the stigma associated with being refugees while promoting social integration and economic empowerment.
The delegation comprises Angola Consul General based in Solwezi Agostinho Manuel Raimundo dos Santos, Head of Delegation and Member of Parliament Felino Job, Members of Parliament Luisa da Conceicao Liunda, Celso Torres Capingala and Eugenio Manuvakola.
Others were Senior Officer from the National Assembly of Angola Edson Avelino, Vice Consul based in Solwezi Joao Gabriel, Second Secretary at the Angolan Consulate Nasson Bungo and Second Secretary from the Angolan Embassy in Lusaka Niria Cristovao.
The Four Angolan Members of Parliament and parliamentary support staff are in Zambia on a familiarisation tour aimed at learning about the country’s citizens registration system and the welfare of Angolan nationals living in the country
They didn’t have were to spend their money? Zambian parliament with the current Speaker is totally a worst of money. They could have gone to Botswana or Senegal. Not Zambia.