23 Aug 2021

 President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi is in Zambia to attend  president-elect Mr Hakainde Hichilema’s inauguration scheduled for today at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka. 

 The United Party for National Development (UPND) leader was elected Zambia’s seventh president in the country’s August 12 general elections.

Briefing the media prior to departure, Dr Masisi said SADC celebrated and embraced multiparty democracy in Zambia.

President Masisi, who recently relinquished the chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, said the bloc applauded Zambia for the fair elections which symbolised democracy. 

SADC, he said, was ready to welcome Mr Hichilema and work with him in the region. 

Turning to Botswana, President Masisi said the country would continue to enhance bilateral relations with Zambia under Mr Hichilema. 

On the inclusion of Leader of Opposition Mr Dumelang Saleshando in his delegation, the President pointed out that government had cordial relations with various entities in the country from opposition parties to civil and religious organisations. 

He emphasised that he could have invited any one of them.

Also in Dr Masisi’s delegation are former president Dr Festus Mogae, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Lemogang Kwape and senior government officials. 

The President and his delegation return home later today. Ends