PRETORIA – 10th June, 2015 – REPUBLICAN President, His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu is, on 12th June, 2015, expected to join other African leaders in Johannesburg for the 25th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
The summit which officially started with the 30th Ordinary Session of Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) on 7th June, 2015 and followed by the 27th Executive Council from 10 – 12 June, 2015, is being held under the theme: “Year of Women’s Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063”.
Outgoing Zambian High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Muyeba Chikonde and Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the AU, Ambassador Susan Sikaneta confirmed President Lungu’s attendance of the summit. The President will be accompanied by First Lady, Mrs. Esther Lungu.
President Lungu, who will be among other heads of state and government from the 54-member organisation will attend the 25th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union on 14th and 15th June, 2015. Mrs. Lungu will attend Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) meetings which have been arranged on the margins of the heads of state summit.
President Lungu is also expected to hold bilateral talks with his counterparts from various African countries and senior officials from some international organisations.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Harry Kalaba, who travelled ahead of the President to attend the Executive Council, also has several bilateral meetings lined up for him.
Other officials attending preparatory and side meetings in Pretoria and Johannesburg are Minister for Gender and Child Development, Professor Nkandu Luo; Justice Deputy Minister, Mr. Keith Mukata; and Finance Deputy Minister, Mr. Christopher Mvunga. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Mr. Chalwe Lombe is also part of the delegation already in South Africa.
Issued by:
Nicky Shabolyo
PRESS SECRETARY
HIGH COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA IN SOUTH AFRICA
Mobile: 00 27 810027548 Email:press@zambiapretoria.net; nshabolyo@gmail.com