By Clifford Lambe in Italy, Rome
His Excellency Dr. Joseph Katema, Nonresident High Commissioner of Zambia to the Republic of Malta presented his Letters of Credentials to H.E, President Mrs. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca of Malta amidst a special ceremony organized at the Presidential Palace along Republic Street in Valletta, Malta. Dr. Katema also presented the Letters of Recall of his Predecessor.
Following the presentation of credentials, High Commissioner was received in audience. On this occasion, High Commissioner Dr. Katema conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes from H.E The President of Zambia, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu and the people of Zambia to H.E Mrs. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of the Republic of Malta for her good personal health and prosperity of the people and the Government of Malta.
Later in the evening after the ceremony at the official reception, in an official speech the President welcomed the Ambassador of Libya and High Commissioner of Zambia and said peace is at the core of foreign policy of Malta. Also making special remarks about each country, the President stated about Zambia as a true democratic and peaceful country. The President said having a significant Tourism and hospitality potential Malta was ready to help promote and invest in Tourism and hospitality industry in Zambia. The President also requested for Zambia’s support during the United Nations Summit on their candidature for a Non-Permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council in 2022 elections for the period 2023 to 2024. She also prayed that the two countries would soon sign the double taxation agreement.
Earlier on Wednesday 21stNovember, 2018 High Commissioner Dr. Katema presented a copy of the Letters of Credence to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion Mr. Carmelo Abela at his office. While welcoming High Commissioner Dr. Katema as a Non-Residential High Commissioner of Zambia to Malta, the Hon Minister wished him a successful tenure and assured him of his full support of his Government in his discharge of his duty. On the occasion, the Hon Minister also spoke of the extant cordial, friendly and cooperative state of ties between Malta and Zambia. The Hon Minister stated that Zambia and Malta have been working in tandem in the international meetings and supporting each other’s position on the important transnational issues of mutual concern. Minister Mr. Abela suggested that in order to further strengthen our relations a bilateral consultative mechanism in form of agreements must be established with Zambia in different sectors of concern.
High Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Katema welcomed the offer and proposal to establish bilateral agreements and thanked the Hon Minister. High Commissioner, Dr. Katema lobbied for more scholarship for the Zambian students to come and learn in Malta in different fields. Dr. Katema touched on the current state of the bilateral relations between the two countries which has gone down and mentioned that there is an imperative need to focus our collaboration endeavours on the economic cooperation, especially in the fields of Aquaculture, trade and investment, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and infrastructure development. He informed the Hon Minister that the Government of Zambia has enacted investment friendly laws with a view to attract foreign direct investment. He updated the current political developments and the priorities of the present Government of H.E President Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
His Excellency, Dr. Katema was accompanied to the ceremony by his wife Mrs. Antonnette W. Katema, First Secretary Political and Administration, Mr. Clifford H. Lambe and First Secretary Economic and Trade, Mr. Glynne Michelo.
