Former Mozambican President Joachim Chisano has congratulated Zambia for attaining 50 years of independence.
Mr Chisano hoped that the 50 years of Zambia’s independence will give the people and leadership of the country more wisdom and unity to continue treading on the path of development.
The former Mozambican President said this to journalists upon arrival in the country at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport aboard a South African Airways plane which touched down at 12:35 hours.
Mr Chisano was welcomed by Foreign affairs Permanent Secretary George Zulu, his Lusaka Province counterpart Wamuyima Muwana and Chairperson of the Zambia @50 Secretariat Mulenga Kapwepwe.
He noted that the relationship between Zambia and the rest of the countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region was about to be disturbed because of contradictions in leadership.
Mr Chisano however stressed that as Zambia celebrates 50 years of independence, its people should work towards strengthening peace and unity and not allow bad things to happen.
He also expressed happiness to note the massive development projects that have taken place in the country which has helped transform the country into one of the region’s economic hubs.
Mr Chisano noted that the nation’s agriculture sector in particular has continued to grow despite the mining sector been the mainstay of the country’s economy.
He said Zambia is now a fine example to the rest of the SADC region and the African continent in general that it is possible to achieve high levels of development.
Mr Chisano is in the country for a three day state visit to commemorate Zambia’s Golden Jubilee anniversary which will be held on October 24 this year.
He is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda and attend a dinner to be hosted in his honour.
The former Mozambican Head of State will also hold a lecture on the cooperation between Zambia and Mozambique among many other activities.