By Staff Writer
Zambia’s Ambassador to Turkey Joseph Chilengi has assured Zambians in the Diaspora that Government has put in place the necessary interventions to stimulate economic growth and mitigate the negative impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on citizens.
Dr Chilengi said despite the challenges that the country was facing due to lockdowns and restrictions imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19, Government under the leadership of Edgar Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia, had continued to deliver on its mandate to reduce poverty, develop infrastructure and provide quality education and healthcare.
“Our country Zambia has not been spared by the pandemic. Our President and his Government are working hard to put in place interventions to stimulate the economy and mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic on our people,” Dr Chilengi said.
The envoy was speaking yesterday when he addressed Zambians in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Georgia and North Macedonia via the Zoom Communications platform on the occasion to commemorate the 56th Independence Anniversary.
In his address, which was also streamed live on the Embassy Facebook page, Dr Chilengi said Government was investing more in climate resilient agriculture, promoting climate smart agriculture as well as strengthening healthcare systems to help the country recover and cope when confronted with pandemics of this magnitude.
“On this, I am proud that my Government has delivered and continues to deliver,” Dr Chilengi said.
He added that Zambia recognises the important role that Zambians in the Diaspora play in national development.
“In this regard, our Government has come up with a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing your contribution to national development as well as to address various challenges you are facing such as acquisition of national documents through what is referred to as the Diaspora Policy,” Dr Chilengi said.
He thanked Zambians in the Diaspora for their unwavering support to Government and urged them to continue being Good Ambassadors of Zambia.
The 56th Independence Anniversary was commemorated under the theme: One Land, One Nation – Building Our Future Proud and Free.
The Zambian Mission in Turkey covers Azerbaijan, Georgia, Jordan and North Macedonia as countries of extra accreditation on non-residential basis.
This is according to media statement by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian Embassy in Turkey Jeremy Munthali.
