The Ceremony of the Presentation of Credentials: EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski

04.10.2019

On Thursday 03rd October, 2019, Jacek Jankowski, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Zambia presented his diplomatic credentials to His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu at a ceremony at Statehouse.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Jankowski addressed President Lungu and reiterated that "As neighbours and equal partners, we are working together to tackle today's challenges. Challenges, your Excellency, which you have also set out as urgent priorities: youth and education, sustainable development and climate resilience, peace, security, good governance and the rule of law.

These challenges are also opportunities - powerful opportunities to consolidate our fruitful cooperation." The Ambassador expressed the European Union's long-lasting commitment to further deepening cooperation and friendship with Zambia. Responding to Ambassador Jacek Jankowski's address President Lungu stated that " The European Union continues to be a pivotal partner in Zambia's development agenda.

Our corporation in poverty reduction, good governance issues and improving overall social and political conditions has been a fundamental vehicle in the Zambia - European Union relations. I am pleased to note that this corporation has been enhanced through the regular hosting of the Zambia - European Union Political Dialogue.

Allow me therefore to express my Government's sincere gratitude for the European Union's continued economic and technical support rendered to Zambia especially in key sectors such as energy, water and sanitation projects, public financial management systems, HIV/AIDS programmes as well as gender based violence programmes." The Head of State added that he "looked for new ways to further consolidate Zambia's relations with the European Union." President Lungu ended his address by wishing Ambassador Jacek Jankowski a successful and rewarding tour of duty. Ambassador Jankowski takes over from Alessandro Mariani who had been in Zambia for 4 years.