Govt commits to political dialogue

Government says Africa and Europe have mutual interest in forging an innovative,global and balanced partnership to exploit the opportunities the new world order offers and respond to its challenges.

Speaking during the Zambia-European Union Political Dialogue Meeting in Lusaka today, Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba says government is committed to holding the political dialogue meetings annually in a bid to address urgent issues of concern.

Mr. Kalaba says Zambia is also committed to regularly engage with the EU Ambassadors, as stipulated under Article 8 of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement (CPA) which provides the basis for enhanced periodic political dialogue with an objective of exchanging information, foster mutual understanding and common priorities.

He says the dialogue should hence cover all pertinent issues such as respect for human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law, good governance, peace-building, conflict-prevention policies, migration and many more.

The Foreign Affairs Minister furthermore states that it is important that the two continents continue to take the Africa-EU relationship to a new strategic level with a strengthened political partnership and cooperation within the framework of mutual respect, understanding and regard.

Speaking at the same event, European Union Head of Delegation Giles Hervio says political dialogues are not only pursued through formal Dialogues, but also through informal dialogue with members of government, the opposition and non state stakeholders in parliament and civil society.

Mr.Hervio states that these dialogues allow for better understanding of each other.