Christeter Macha
13 February 2008
Ndola — PRESIDENT Mwanawasa has said peace and security should be maintained, as it is a pre-requisite to economic development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and other parts of Africa.
Dr Mwanawasa who is SADC chairman said he was proud that the SADC region had achieved remarkable successes in maintaining peace and the development of democratic governance over the recent past.
Dr Mwanawasa said this in Antananarivo last night at a state banquet hosted in his honour by the President of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanana at the State Palace.
He said peace and security were not only critical in securing human freedom and dignity but also constituted a prerequisite for sustainable development
He commended the efforts of the African Union to end misunderstandings and violence affecting people in conflict countries and regions.
Dr Mwanawasa cited the open, free and fair elections that were held in Malawi, Namibia, DRC, Tanzania, Madagascar, Lesotho and Zambia as some of the examples of the successes scored in the area of democratic governance in the region.
He said while the trend of entrenching democracy had been growing at an encouraging pace and embracing every member state in the SADC region, a different scenario had been happening in the economic arena of most countries
He said Zambia and Madagascar needed to start formulating rules of trade which will not be skewed to the disadvantage of one another but for mutual advantage of the two countries
" It is important that our two countries should strive to explore ways of how to expand trade and other contacts which shall be of mutual benefit to both the Zambian and Madagascan people," said Dr Mwanawasa.
He said his visit to Madagascar was a clear reflection of the excellent relations that exist between the two sister countries which are deeply rooted in the historical, cultural and common future.
He noted that the peaceful and democratic environment the two countries continue to enjoy should spur accelerated cooperation in various sectors for the mutual development of the two countries and peoples.
And Dr Mwanawasa has said it is time African leaders moved away from the era of irresponsible and unaccountable use and distribution of natural resources which the continent had become associated with in the past.
"My Government is in a hurry to bring economic and social development to the people of Zambia. Apart from tackling issues of direct economic impact the Government of Zambia is engaged in an aggressive war against corruption," said Dr Mwanawasa.
And speaking earlier, President Ravalomanana welcomed Dr Mwanawasa as chairman of SADC and hoped under his leadership, the regional body will make a quantum leap forward.
Mr Ravalomanana said he appreciated partnering with President Mwanawasa who he has met at several fora within the African Union and described him as a reliable and honest person.
Mr Ravalomanana said it was the responsibility of SADC to strengthen regional intergration.
Meanwhile, President Mwanawasa was bestowed with a Honorific distinction award by Mr Ravalomanana at a colourful ceremony held at the State Palace.
President Ravalomanana said he was bestowing the award of ' Grand Croix de Deuxienme classe de i'Ordre National Malgache' as a token of respect and regard he and the people of Madagascar have for President Mwanawasa.
Mr Ravalomanana said he considers Zambia as a friend and considers President Mwanawasa personally as a friend.-ZANIS
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