United States complains about Lungu’s failure to meet US official

United States Ambassador to Zambia Eric Schultz has expressed regret that President Edgar Lungu failed to meet with US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield who was recently in the country.
Mr. Schultz says it is sad that President Lungu did not meet Ms Greenfield to discuss issues affecting Zambia.
He says the US Government has since formally complained to the ministry of foreign affairs over the President’s failure to meet Ms Greenfield.

Meanwhile Mr. Schultz has hailed the growing relations between Zambia and the United States in recent years.
Speaking during the commemoration of the United States’ 240 years of Independence which falls on 4th July in Lusaka today, Mr Schultz urged the American community in Zambia to observe the rule of law of the host country by not engaging in activities that would put the name of US in disrepute.
Mr. Shultz says the US Embassy is there to act as a bridge between Zambians and Americans, and that it is important for Americans to grow the relationship further.

And speaking when he officiated at the event, Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Rayford Mbulu reaffirmed government’s commitment to upholding the warm and cordial bilateral relations which exist between the Zambian and US government.
He has since thanked the US for its continued support to Zambia through mechanisms such as the United States Government Millennium Challenge Corporation.
Mr. Mbulu says this assistance and cooperation has translated into stronger bonds of friendships.

QFM