Maravi

Never forget it’s Swedish taxpayers who contribute funding – envoy

COMMENT - The envoy should never forget, that Zambia is losing $4 billion per year because we no longer own the mines. And that Africa is financing it's own 'donor aid' four times over, because we do not benefit from our raw materials exports. Remember that we can take them back, Swedish envoy.

Never forget it’s Swedish taxpayers who contribute funding – envoy
Written by George Chellah
Saturday, June 27, 2009 3:39:13 PM

SWEDISH Ambassador Marie Andersson de Frutos yesterday told President Rupiah Banda that her country is deeply concerned with the information recently received that the embezzlement of funds at the Ministry of Health has been ongoing for several years.

And Ambassador De Frutos said people should never forget that it was the Swedish taxpayers who contribute funding to improve the living conditions of the poor.

Presenting her credentials at State House, Ambassador De Frutos said in the health sector, Zambia and Sweden had worked together almost since independence.

"Sweden has supported numerous programmes and we feel a strong connection here. We welcome the action the Zambian authorities have taken with regard to the embezzlement of funds that has been ongoing within the Ministry of Health," Ambassador Dr Frutos said.

"At the same time, as you understand Mr President, we are deeply concerned by the information we recently received that this has been ongoing for, as it seems, for several years. In this context, we should also never forget that it is the Swedish taxpayers who contribute funding to improve the living conditions of the poor."

Sweden and the Netherlands recently suspended funding to Zambia's health sector following revelations of corruption in the Ministry of Health.

Ambassador De Frutos said Sweden would continue to be an active and constructive partner to Zambia.

"We will continue to constantly highlight our overall goal for global development to contribute to a equitable and sustainable development and to creating opportunities for poor people to improve their living conditions. Our commitment to human rights and democracy is of course a basic pillar of our engagement," she said.

Ambassador De Frutos said on July 1, 2009 Sweden would take over the presidency of the European Union (EU).

"The motto of the Swedish presidency is 'Taking on the challenge'. And we can see that most probably the financial crisis and the climate change will be the cornerstone of our presidency," Ambassador De Frutos said.

"For Africa we will focus on security issues, governance and further developing the EU/Africa partnership. When it comes to Zambia we will continue to embark on the fruitful and constructive Articles 8 dialogue that my predecessor started as local president under the Czech presidency."

And President Banda said the government recognizes Sweden's commitment to strengthening relations with Zambia.

"As you rightly pointed out, development cooperation is a vital part of our relations and it is in this regard that our two countries should explore further areas of cooperation that will add both political and economic impetus to our friendship," President Banda said.

"It is sad, though, that our efforts to eradicate poverty, let alone to provide quality health services to our people, are being undermined by a few greedy individuals. My administration will deal decisively with corrupt elements."

He said Zambia welcomed Swedish investment in the country.

"This is in line with our resolve to implore the economy and the welfare of our people. My administration has identified agriculture, tourism, mining and manufacturing as priority sectors in our economic development efforts," President Banda said.

"In this vein, I wish to take this opportunity to appeal to Your Excellency to apply your personal efforts and encourage the Swedish business community to enter into partnerships with their Zambian counterparts in order to exploit the immense potential existing in these sectors."

President Banda urged Ambassador De Frutos to work towards enhancing agriculture, trade and investment and promoting tourism between the two countries.

And presenting his letter of credence, Belgian Ambassador-designate Paul Jansen said the tourism business in the country was a huge industry that would attract a lot of big investors.

“And I hope that many investors will find their way into Zambia,” he said.

He said under the leadership of the late president Levy Mwanawasa and President Banda's leadership, Zambia has been a good example of good governance and political freedom.

Labels: AMBASSADOR, DONORS, MARIE ANDERSSON DE FRUTOS, PAUL JANSEN, RUPIAH BANDA, SWEDEN

posted by MrK @ 2:39 PM