‘Zambia ready to support AU efforts in Sudan’

‘Zambia ready to support AU efforts in Sudan’
Written by George Chellah
Saturday, May 30, 2009 3:43:41 PM

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda yesterday said Zambia stands ready to support efforts of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) that will culminate into sustainable peace in Sudan.

During the presentation of credentials by the Sudanese Ambassador-designate to Zambia Sabit Abbe Alley at State House, President Banda said Zambia was a strong and unrelenting advocate of peace and security.

"More so the peaceful resolution of disputes. My government and the people of Zambia have always encouraged dialogue in the resolution of disputes. It is therefore, my fervent hope and desire that concerted efforts are made to bring peace to Darfur," President Banda said.

"Zambia stands ready and resolute to support efforts of the African Union and the United Nations that will culminate into sustainable peace which is good not only for the people of Sudan but also for the rest of the world."

He said relations between Zambia and Sudan had over the years been cordial, founded on mutual respect, friendship and equality.

"It is gratifying that our two countries share common positions at international fora such as the African Union, COMESA, the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement where we both seek to promote global peace and economic advancement," President Banda said.

"Our membership in the United Nations and the African Union provide a useful platform for us to interact and support each other on matters of mutual concern such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, peace and security, terrorism and climate change which, if not contained, could undermine the socio-economic wellbeing of not only our two peoples but also of the rest of the world.

"In addition, the Non-Aligned Movement within which we share common aspirations and ideals has greatly helped us in not only advancing our common socio-economic agendas but also in cementing our fraternal relations."

President Banda urged Ambassador Alley to do his best during the tour of duty in Zambia to ensure that the two countries move to higher heights in their development cooperation.

"As you assume your responsibilities in Zambia, please do not confine yourself to Lusaka but go around the country with a view to identifying possible areas where our two countries can cooperate in order to broaden and enhance our bilateral relations," President Banda said.

And Ambassador Alley praised Zambia's role in the region and continent.

"We in Sudan have high regard and appreciation for Zambia for the prominent role it had played in the struggle for the liberation of Africa in the past and for its present exemplary role as a bastion of peace, stability and democracy in the region and indeed in the whole of Africa," Ambassador Alley said.

"Moreover, Zambia's hosting of the secretariat of COMESA is a testimony of your country's genuine commitment to the economic cooperation and integration of our region."

Ambassador Alley said Zambia had been supportive of peace efforts in the Sudan and that the Sudanese appreciated the gesture.