Government says it is committed to hold political dialogue sessions with all Missions and Organizations accredited to Zambia.
Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda said as directed by President Michael Sata on several occasions Missions and Organizations accredited to Zambia should communicate with government through established diplomatic channels.
Speaking during the opening of the political dialogue meeting with the European Union (EU) Ambassadors in Lusaka today, Mr. Lubinda said regular, open and honest dialogue is an important ingredient of healthy and mutually beneficial relationship in any country.
Mr. Lubinda said where dialogue is denied, parties tend to use unorthodox methods to communicate which can led to misunderstanding, mistrust and suspicions.
He pointed out that it is government’s desire to nurture and strengthen partnerships both at bilaterally and multilateral level in pursuit of Zambia’s Foreign Policy interests.
He added that the Patriotic Front (PF) administration perceives this exercise as a necessary building bloc in the collaborative efforts towards the strengthening of Zambia’s democracy.
Meanwhile, Mr. Lubinda said the Zambian government is aware of the importance the Cotonou Agreement pieces on good governance and particularly on the fight against corruption as an impediment to development.
He further said Zambia stands ready to join hands with partners like the EU in fighting the scourge among societal vices, in order to ensure that services are delivered to the people efficiently and effectively as to seek to bring prosperity to the country.
And EU Head of delegation Gilles Hervio noted that engaging into dialogue regularly was always important to avoid tension.
Mr. Hervio further added that regular dialogue should always be taken seriously as it also assists in trying to solve various challenges.
The last political dialogue session between Zambia and the European Union was last held in April, 2009.
ZANIS
Zambian missions are a mess. You can change names from Ambassador to Charge d’affaires all you want but the fact is officers at these missions are not qualified for those positions and are clueless.
Nubian Princess, he’s talking about foreign missions accredited to Zambia, not Zambian missions abroad.
Point of correction Mr Lubinda the faithful Bemba servant-Its “diplomatic corps accredited to Bembas”
This is where PF lacks strategy, vision or leadership construct in public policy. Here they have failed to initiate inter-party dialogue but dashing to diplomatic corps. Show domestic political dialogue first before dialogue with the diplomatic corps.
Sadly the lack of leadership in this administration starts with President Sata himself whose acts and true intention have proved to be triggers of anarchy, regionalism and totalitarian rule with potential of a chain of events which would create tension and combustible provocation in a polarized nation.Â
His lack of statesmanship has been just fueling brazen infighting among ethnic groupings, domestic political factions of PF Groupthink as well as those of PF against cheated and fatigued Zambian masses. These are power centers that need to be engaged in dialogue first before turning to the Diplomatic corps.
To unlock the country from current socio-economic and worse off political quagmire despicably compounding, like never before Zambia deserves a thinking person in leadership, a person with depth, a winning vision,unifying character and intellectual curiosity not hallucinations cursed with.
So now Lubinda is ready for “dialogue” with foreign missions? WTF does he think foreign missions are in Zambia for in the first place – simply to dish out aid to a dependent country? Diplomats dialogue – it’s what they do – so why is PF “ready” for dialogue only now?
One of the most intelligent and focused Ministers Zambia can boast of, not only under this administration, but he could be counted among the creme of our Ministers since independence!!!
As a Chilenje resident during elections last year, I voted for him and I have no regrets!!! Bravo bo Lubinda, represent us well among those diplomats and take their concerns very seriously and find a way of forwarding them to HEMCS!!!!
Perhaps they are ready to dialogue because they have not officially done so. Dialogue involves speaking and listening to at least one other person speak. The listening and response should be of interest. As I am of the belief it is future leaders (excluding all potential current competition) that hold the key to our future I would suggest introducing and encouraging international dialogue opportunity from primary school through junior international schemes that exist. Start early. Listen more. Learn much.