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(TIMES) Zuma calls for practical ideas

Zuma calls for practical ideas
...as Smart Partnership Dialogue starts at Mulungushi International Conference Centre today
By ANTHONY MULOWA

SOUTH Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), president Jacob Zuma has urged delegates to the Smart Partnership Dialogue to focus on ideas that will be beneficial in addressing the challenges faced by participating countries.

Speaking on arrival at Lusaka International Airport yesterday, Mr Zuma, who is in Zambia to attend the forum, said the meeting should be centred on ideas that would benefit participating countries in the shortest possible time.

Mr Zuma regretted that the forum whose theme is “Smart Partnership in Economic Development and Diversity” would greatly miss the services of President Mwanawasa, who is currently admitted to Percy Military Hospital in France.

“President Mwanawasa’s absence will be felt at the forum. We would have loved him to be present because of his commitment towards economic development not only of Zambia but the region,” he said.

Mr Zuma wished President Mwanawasa a quick recovery so that he could come back and carry on with his duties.

“I wish President Mwanawasa a quick recovery so that he can come and govern this country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Zuma has joined others in welcoming the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Zanu-PF and the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in Zimbabwe. The two political parties recently signed an MoU aimed at forming a Government of national unity. He said the Zimbabwean problem could only be solved by the Zimbabwean people themselves.

“The problem of Zimbabwe can only be solved by the Zimbabweans. I hope the MoU will bring positive change in Zimbabwe,” he said.

And Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, who also arrived yesterday said there was need to establish smart partnerships.

Mr Museveni who was welcomed by Home Affairs Minister, Ronnie Shikapwasha, said the smart partnerships, as the terminology of the forum suggested should benefit all the parties involved.

Mr Museveni said that the Smart Partnership Dialogue was an effective way of fostering economic development and called for networking among the countries involved.

“This one is a win-win situation for all the countries involved,” Mr Museveni said.

Addressing a Press briefing yesterday Smart Partnership joint dialogue convenor, John Musukuma, said the forum would be a closed door session and the media would not be allowed to cover the proceedings.

Mr Musukuma said this was so in order to facilitate an atmosphere where the exchange of views and ideas would be done in an informal and relaxed manner.

“This is to enable the smart partners to contribute to their best in an informal and relaxed manner,” he said.

He said the media would, however, be briefed everyday in the afternoon on the discussions at the forum.

Among the key aspects to be discussed are energy, climate change, finance management and soaring food prices.

The dialogue to be held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre from today to Thursday provides an atmosphere that creates unique friendships, bottom to top networks and opportunity for joint ventures

Labels: JACOB ZUMA, JOHN MUSUKUMA, SMART PARTNERHIPS, YOWERI MUSEVENI

posted by MrK @ 1:59 AM