Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe, SC, M.P, has expressed the government’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the diaspora community.
During a virtual meeting held with the United States diaspora community on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Honourable Haimbe underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening relations with the diaspora community and encouraged dialogue and collaboration for mutual benefit of all.
He acknowledged the importance of the Zambian diaspora in promoting national interests abroad.
Hon Haimbe also urged the diaspora community to take keen interest in the government’s Diaspora Policy, which spells out the community’s important role in Zambia’s developmental process.
He said it was important that members of the diaspora take advantage of the dual citizenship policy introduced by the government so as not to lose their nationality, and further committed to improving the processing time through Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security.
The Minister underscored the importance of the diaspora community, as ambassadors of the country, to lead exemplary lives. He also stressed the importance of maintaining traditions, language and values while adapting to new environments.
He emphasised the need for strong ties between the diaspora and the home country. He highlighted that the government through the Ministry of Home Affairs is working on mechanisms for online application of passports.
The virtual meeting was also attended by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary – International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Etambuyu Gundersen and Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Dr Chola Milambo.
And Clever Kanyanta, president of the Zambian Family Organisation (ZFO), who represented Zambians in the Tri-State (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut), said the diaspora was ready to work with the government so that they play a role in the country’s development. He said the diaspora community wants to support the work of government and connect potential investors.
Meanwhile, Cheswa Silwizya, Chief Protocol Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the government is limited in what it can do regarding deaths, illnesses and mental challenges that face the diaspora community.
Ms Silwizya explained that the government has no budget line and policy for such issues, adding that it only helps facilitate documentation and paperwork. She said that diaspora associations always come together to assist but repatriation is very costly.