By 
President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to a foreign policy anchored on peace, security, and stability, both at home and abroad.
He said Zambia’s foreign policy priorities were two-fold: to uphold peace and stability, and to advance economic diplomacy for national development.
The Head of State made the remarks during the official announcement and congratulatory ceremony for newly appointed diplomats and Cabinet Office staff at State House in Lusaka on Monday.
He urged the newly appointed Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and senior government officials to serve with integrity, focus, and results.
“Instability in any part of the country is instability everywhere. Our foreign policy must reflect this understanding, promoting peace and security not only within Zambia, but also in the region and across the globe,” President Hichilema said.
He explained that the selection of the appointees was based on their deep understanding of Zambia’s challenges and their exposure to global systems and institutions.
The President cautioned that diplomatic postings were not ceremonial, but strategic national responsibilities.
“You are not on holiday. We know the ambassadors who are working and those who think they’re on vacation. Some ambassadors have not brought even a single investor. Don’t be one of those,” he said.
Hichilema further stressed that economic diplomacy was a critical expectation of all diplomats, adding that opening markets, attracting investment, and supporting trade partnerships were essential to generating revenue that could fund key national priorities, including student meal allowances and free education.
He also urged officials to go beyond bureaucratic routine and ensure that critical institutions, such as the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), perform efficiently in facilitating investment.
“Work is about getting the job done. There’s no such thing as working hours anymore. Follow through on government institutions. If ZEMA is not working, those at Cabinet must follow up,” President Hichilema added.
The Head of State also emphasized the importance of protecting and empowering small-scale businesses, such as salons and barbershops, which he described as the lifeblood of many Zambian families.
Those appointed were: Dr. Albert Muchanga, Ambassador Designate to Ethiopia; Professor Nkombo Muuka, Ambassador Designate to the United Arab Emirates; Grace Mutembo, High Commissioner Designate to South Africa; and Abdon Mawere, Ambassador Designate to Russia.
Others include Eugene Moonga, Director of Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation at Cabinet Office, and Muyambango Nkwemu, Public Policy Specialist in the Policy Analysis and Coordination Division at Cabinet Office.
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