PRESIDENT Michael Sata has cautioned diplomats accredited to Zambia to desist from involving themselves in local politics.

The Head of State said the diplomats should instead be aggressive in attracting investment from their respective countries.

President Sata said in Lusaka yesterday that the envoys should promote a partnership in areas of investment so as to boost employment opportunities.

Mr Sata said this at State House when he received credentials from 14 diplomats accredited to Zambia.

"What I will not accept is you going to provinces and asking opposition parties, about good governance, you are free to come to my office or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss good governance not going to provinces like one of your brothers did.

"How do you ask UNIP about good governance or youth employment," President Sata said.

Mr Sata said Zambia had abundant investment opportunities that remained unexploited and this provided a chance for the diplomats to encourage investment in various economic sectors.

"When you are here, bring what we lack from where you come from and also take what you lack to your countries. Promote investment opportunities. That is what you are here for," he said.

The President hailed South Africa for taking advantage of investment opportunities in Zambia.

He encouraged investment diversification from the mining sector to others such as fishing, which remained untapped.

Mr Sata said it was important to encourage business delegation meetings with the Zambian business community.

Those who presented their credentials were Caridad Gonzalez of Cuba, Ireland's Finbar O'brien, Ruthle Rono from Kenya, Kgoshi Mathebe (South Africa) Jo Yong Man (North Korea), Bela Laszlo (Hungary), and Touhid Hossain (Bangladesh.

Others were New Zealand's Richard Mann, Israel is represented by Dan Hayun while Ethiopia is represented by Koang Dung.

Greece has Christos Salamanis as Ambassador to Zambia, Belgium has Koenraad Adam, Agis Loizou is from Cyprus and Alexandre Leveque is the diplomat from Canada.

The diplomats assured President Sata of commitment to further enhancing existing relations with Zambia.

The diplomats said in their messages to President Sata that they would work to ensure the cordial ties with Zambia continued.