Maravi

Zambia to bestow Fidel with highest honour

Zambia to bestow Fidel with highest honour
Written by Kaluwe Hanzuki in Havana, Cuba
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 5:06:56 PM

ZAMBIA'S High Commissioner to Canada Nevers Mumba has said Zambia is expected to award Cuban revolution leader Fidel Castro with the Order of the Zambian Eagle. In an interview yesterday ahead of President Rupiah Banda's three-day state visit at the invitation of President Raul Castro, High Commissioner Mumba said Cuba had contributed immensely to Zambia's health and education sectors during the leadership of Fidel.

High Commissioner Mumba, who also represents Zambia in Cuba, said Zambia and Cuba had several memoranda of understanding which would be further strengthened with President Banda's visit.

He said there were currently 41 Zambian students studying various disciplines in Cuban universities and other tertiary institutions.

High Commissioner Mumba said Cuba had also been sending several medical doctors to work in Zambia for many years now.

He said Zambia would learn the technology and science of producing vaccines and a memorandum of understanding would be signed.

High Commissioner Mumba said Cuba had been able to stand on its own and build its economy despite the trade embargo imposed on it by the United States of America.

President Banda was expected to arrive in Havana by mid-day yesterday.

He is among other things expected to lay wreaths at the monument of Cuban hero, Jose Marti before visiting Labiofam, which is a research centre for vaccines for malaria and tropical diseases.

President Banda is scheduled to visit the Colon centre, a memorial site for Cubans who died in Africa while fighting for independence.

He is also expected to meet the 41 Zambian students that are studying in various disciplines in Cuba.

President Banda will tomorrow visit an African national heroes memorial centre before visiting Varadero tourist resort.

During President Banda's visit, there will be a Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) meeting where both Zambia and Cuba will sign a memorandum of understanding.

President Banda is expected to leave Cuba on Thursday.

Labels: FIDEL CASTRO, HIGH COMMISSIONERS, NEVERS MUMBA

posted by MrK @ 4:07 PM