Prince Akishino calls for continued relations between Zambia and Japan

——Visiting Japanese Imperial Highnesses, Prince Akishino, has called for continued mutual cordial bilateral relations between Japan and Zambia as the country commemorates the Golden Jubilee.

Speaking last evening at a reception to mark 50 years anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two governments, Prince Akishino said the mutual relationship that the two countries have continued to enjoy should be enhanced beyond the 50 years.

The Imperial Highnesses congratulated the people of Zambia on the country’s attainment of the Golden Jubilee.

Prince Akishino who was flanked by his wife, Kiko, at the reception which was also attended by Vice President Dr Guy Scott and Foreign Affairs Minister, Harry Kalaba, thanked government for the warm reception accorded to him by the State.

He under scored the need to further strengthen the exiting cooperation that the two governments are enjoying in various sectors of the economy.

Meanwhile, Prince Akishino has paid glowing tribute to the peoples of Zambia and Japan for fostering and building strong bilateral ties between the two states.

The visiting Japanese Imperial Highness observed that both countries have spent time and effort in ensuring that the cordial relations between them thrive.

And speaking at the same reception, Foreign Affairs Minister, Harry Kalaba, thanked the Japanese government for the support Zambia is receiving in various sectors of the economy from that country.

Mr Kalaba said Zambia will remain indebted to Japan for the role it has played in the development of various sectors of the economy.

He said as Zambians reflect in unity on the achievement the country has attained in the 50 years of national independence the country will remain grateful to the Japanese people for being an all-weather friend.

The Foreign Affairs Minister assured the visiting Japanese Imperial Highnesses of continued cooperation between the two governments.

And speaking earlier, Japanese Ambassador to Zambia, Kiyoshi Koinuma, said Japan has supported Zambia’s economic development since 1964.

Ambassador Koinuma noted that Japan will focuses on enhancing the economic exchange between the two countries.

He said through the economic exchange sustainable growth of Zambia’s economy will be strengthened.