Foreign Affairs PS counsels diplomats

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary George Zulu has told Zambian diplomatic staff in London that President Michael Sata expects them to be at their very best in both professions and personal conduct.

 

Mr. Zulu said he was impressed by the Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) view of the current performance and conduct of the High Commissioner Paul Lumbi and his staff in London.

 

He has since urged them not to behave in any way that might undermine this relationship with the host government.

 

This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Press Secretary at the Zambian mission in the United Kingdom Amos Chanda.

 

He was speaking when he addressed diplomatic and local staff at Zambia House after he concluded his study tour of the United Kingdom’s (UK) Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) from Wednesday ton Friday last week.

 

“I have to announce Your Excellency (Mr. Paul Lumbi) that I have received a very positive report from our hosts and therefore the problems of the past seem to be over,” Mr. Zulu said.

 

Mr. Zulu also congratulated the High Commissioner and his mission staff on their good performance.

 

“They (FCO) have told me that you and your staff are actively involved with them on key issues and doing the very best to cement the relationship between Zambia and the UK and that the conduct of our diplomats here is very good,” Mr. Zulu stressed.

 

He said President Sata is reluctant to recall diplomats he has entrusted with the responsibility to represent the country.

 

Mr. Zulu pointed out that President Sata was however forced by some people to recall them because they behave in a manner that puts the name of the country into disrepute.

 

“I am happy that here in London, all the problems we heard in the recent past are over and I want to urge you to always remember that the President expects you to be at your very best behaviour,” he said.

 

He also cautioned the locally engaged staff to abide by both the laws of the land and the terms of employment agreed with the mission.

 

The Permanent Secretary announced that the ministry has concluded the country’s first ever comprehensive formal foreign policy, which will soon be launched to guide Zambia’s diplomatic practice.

 

He informed diplomats that government’s economic programmes are progressing well especially the infrastructural, agricultural development and health sectors.

 

“Zambia is changing and changing for good. You need to come and see what is happening in the area of infrastructure development. Roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and clinics are under construction and with that, we have employment opportunities being created for our people,” he said.

 

He said plans to re-launch a new national airline had reached advanced stages saying Zambia will soon see a national carrier back to the Zambian skies to improve the promotion of tourism.