Friendly, Peaceful and Dignified People a Treasured International Brand Zambia Must Safeguard – Ambassador Kapambwe

PRESS STATEMENT

- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

Washington D.C., 9 January 2020 – Ambassador Lazarous Kapambwe has urged diplomats to safeguard Zambia’s long-standing brand as a peaceful, friendly and dignified nation, stressing that the internationally recognized national credentials were an asset that complemented many national development fronts and agendas.

And Ambassador Kapambwe says the mission in Washington has a solemn duty of ensuring that the warm relations between Zambia and the United were further strengthened.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Designate of the Republic of Zambia to the United States of America said the reputation of peace, warmth of the people and friendliness were built over many years and were widely admired and respected.

In addressing diplomats at the Zambian Mission in Washington D.C., Ambassador Kapambwe said “the number one trait that people noticed about Zambia was the warmth and friendliness of the people”.

“Whatever people do in Zambia, whatever they see and wherever they go, they have one common narrative; the picture that remains with them is the warmth of the people, the friendliness and the peace. That is the picture we need to continue giving in the way we relate with the people in various communities and official engagements. We must be mindful of that brand and respect it and the dignity and friendliness of the people,” Ambassador Kapambwe told Zambian mission diplomats.

His Excellency President Edgar Lungu transferred Mr. Kapambwe from the United Nations in New York and appointed him as Ambassador to the United States. Mr. Kapambwe has taken over from Ambassador Dr Ngosa Simbyakula who has gone to the United Nations Mission in New York. Mr. Kapambwe is also concurrently accredited, on a non-residential basis to Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Belize, Haiti, Guatemala and Honduras.

He called for hard work, sacrifice and dedicated service to the country.

“We work for one country; we serve one government. Let us strive for higher success. Nothing can stop us and nothing will be impossible if we commit ourselves,” Ambassador Kapambwe said adding that the diplomats’ diverse talents and capabilities should work towards attaining success for Zambia. He said diplomats must not lose sight of Government’s mission in the United States.

Before his appointment as Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Kapambwe served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations in New York from 2007.

Mr. Kapambwe also served as Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, from June 2003 to June 2007. He was concurrently accredited as Ambassador of Zambia to Sudan, Yemen, Djibouti and Somalia. Before holding that post, he was Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs from 2002 to 2003, after serving as Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible for Asia, Africa and the Middle East from 2000 to 2002. He was the Director for Africa and Organization of African Unity Affairs from 1996 to 2000, after two months as Director for European Affairs from June to August 1996.

Mr. Kapambwe also held posts in Europe and the United States, as Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Zambian Embassies in Bonn, Germany, from 1993 to 1996, and in Washington, D.C., from 1988 to 1993. He was Counsellor for Political Affairs at the Permanent Mission of Zambia to the United Nations from 1987 to 1988. Prior to bilateral and multilateral postings, Mr. Kapambwe held several posts in Government.

Issued by:

Eric Mwanza
First Secretary – Press
Embassy of the Republic of Zambia
Washington, D.C.