Govt gratified with Irish support to Zambia

——-Government has applauded the warm relationship and assistance rendered by the Irish government in various sectors of the economy.

Home Affairs Deputy Minister Stephen Kampyongo expressed gratitude to the Irish government for assisting Zambia in the health, education, good governance and water and sanitation areas.

Mr Kampyongo noted that the Republic of Ireland has continued to render support to Zambia in the provision of basic social services and infrastructure in a number of highly populated urban areas.

He said the Zambian government appreciates the assistance and hoped that the bringing in of a new ambassador to Zambia will enhance the relations between the two countries.

Mr. Kampyongo said this in a speech read for him by the Assistant Director in-charge of European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Brighton Litula during the commemorations of the Ireland’s National Day at the ambassador’s residence in Lusaka.

And the newly accredited Irish Ambassador to Zambia Finbar O’Brien expressed his gratitude to Zambians for the hospitality he has received and hoped for the continued bilateral relations between the two countries.

Ambassador O’Brien noted that Irish nationals serving in the Zambian administration before and after independence and Irish business connections have grown considerably over the years.

The Ambassador added that many Zambian have been trained in Ireland and some of them have settled in that country and that they are contributing to the Irish economy.

The Ambassador shared with his countrymen and women the positive news from their country such as the 2013 GDP growth and the Foreign Direct Investment.

The commemoration which was characterised by Irish Music and chatting was attended by Zambia’s First Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, Wife of the Vice President Guy Scott and many ambassadors and high commissioners accredited to Zambia.