Lusaka Times, January 23, 2019
President Edgar Lungu says government will not borrow recklessly to finance the country’s transformation and development process.
President Lungu said his administration remains committed to prudent borrowing and will ensure that debts incurred are sustainable.
The president made the assurance when he met diplomats accredited to Zambia as well as international development cooperation and aid agencies during the annual greeting of the diplomatic corps at State House in Lusaka.
President Lungu said government will continue with its zero tolerance on corruption and policy of transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.
The Head of State said government will call upon the diplomatic community to help build the capacity of key institutions in the country to fight against corruption.
President Lungu further assured donors that government will not condone misuse of donor funds aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable Zambians.
The president has since directed law enforcement agencies to speed up investigations in the alleged abuse of donor funds in the social cash transfer scheme.
President Lungu also appealed to the international community to support Africa’s call for reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative, accountable, effective and responsive to the geographical realities of the 21st century.
The president said Zambia opposes text based negations and instead supports consensus for the common African position of two permanent seats with veto powers for Africa.
President Lungu further thanked the international community for providing support to Zambia since she assumed chairmanship of the SADC Troika Committee on Defence, politics and security
The president expressed optimism that political stability and democracy is returning to the region as demonstrated by Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Madagascar and the DRC holding peaceful elections which he said should be emulated by other countries primed to hold elections this year.
And giving a vote of thanks, Dean of the Diplomatic Corp Ambassador Balbina Da Silva paid glowing tribute to the Zambian government for providing facilities and services that have made it easier for diplomats to work in the country.
The Angolan Envoy said diplomats accredited to Zambia will continue to cooperate with government to strengthen bilateral relations and help Zambia attain and sustain her development process.
Ambassador Da Silva said President Lungu’s assumption of the Chairmanship of the SADC Troika Committee is a demonstration of the region’s confidence in President Lungu’s leadership in international diplomacy