United States Government Toasts Zambia’s Independence

PRESS STATEMENT

- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

Washington D.C., Saturday, 24 October 2020 — The United States Government has joined in celebrating Zambia’s 56 years of independence with Secretary of State Michael Pompeo sending his country’s best wishes to the peace loving southern African nation.

In his message released in a statement today, Secretary Pompeo  highlighted the strong and abiding friendship between Zambia and the United States, saying that Zambia and the US enjoyed a multifaceted bilateral relationship. 

“As they celebrate the Republic of Zambia’s 56th Independence Day, it is my pleasure to congratulate all Zambians on behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people,” Secretary Pompeo said adding “Zambia and the United States enjoy a multifaceted bilateral relationship.  Our well-established partnerships to improve health outcomes for Zambians are even more salient as we face COVID-19 together.”

He noted that Zambia continued to be a stalwart security partner through its contributions to African peace and security initiatives, and added that as Zambia prepared for elections in 2021, the United States looked forward to the country’s efforts to ensure space for all voices.

In its 56 years of independence, Zambia has had 12 general elections and seen three political parties rule the country without any acrimony, an enviable record that had seen Zambia stand as one of the top most peaceful and democratic countries in Africa; a record President Edgar Lungu said Zambians should take pride in and sustain.

“We send best wishes to Zambia on this important day,” Secretary Pompeo said.

In his address to the Nation on the eve of Zambia’s independence, President Edgar Lungu implored the citizenry to continue working hard to make the country prosperous. He said Zambians should continue treating each other with love and dignity and must be loyal and patriotic.

This year’s independence anniversary is being celebrated under the theme “Zambia at 56: One Land, One Nation – building Our Future Proud and Free”.

“As a people, we are determined to make Zambia a more prosperous nation. To live as one land and one nation. To build the Zambia we want. We must be proud to shoulder this responsibility and use our freedom to shape our destiny,” President Lungu said.

The President hailed the country’s freedom fighters and in wishing the people success and well, reminded citizens to celebrate responsibility in light of the continued threat of COVID-19.

Issued by:

Eric Mwanza
First Secretary – Press & Public Relations
Embassy of the Republic of Zambia
Washington D.C.

More information:
Phone: +1 202 674-6531
Email: ericmwanza@zambiaembassy.org
Twitter: @ZambiainUSA
Web: zambiaembassy.org

“Approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs”