Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The United Kingdom (UK) has congratulated President Michael Sata and the Zambian people on the country’s 50th independence anniversary which falls this Friday, 24th October.
UK Minister of State for the Commonwealth Hugo Swire says this is an important milestone for Zambia and for the UK-Zambia partnership.
Mr Hugo says the Lord Turnbull of Enfield will represent the United Kingdom at the celebrations.
He says the ties that bind Zambia and the UK are strong, noting that the Zambian civil service, parliament and judiciary are largely founded along the British model.
Mr Hugo notes that the UK’s support for Zambia’s development since Independence has been constant, adding that at one point the UK’s co-operation programme with Zambia was the biggest in the world.
He states that Zambia’s 50th Anniversary year not only provides two countries with the opportunity to view their relationship through the lens of history, but more importantly to look to the future.
Mr Hugo adds that he is delighted that the UK is joining Zambia in marking her 50th Anniversary by opening a UK Trade and Investment office in Lusaka which should help to boost trading links, and that a British Chamber of Commerce will also soon be established.
H says a UK trade mission to Zambia earlier this month, and a further one in November, is testament to the growth opportunities in Zambia.
Mr Hugo further states that Zambia has an important role to play in the southern African region, on the continent and in the wider world.
He has since commended Zambia for its decision to send a battalion to take part in the UN peacekeeping force in the Central African Republic.
The Minister of State for the Commonwealth says the British government looks forward to deepening and expanding its relationship with Zambia in the years to come.