By JULIUS PHIRI –

ZAMBIA’S Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Dr Mwaba Kasese-Bota has urged Zambians in the diaspora to speak positively about  Zambia and its leadership to inspire confidence in investors and help sustain the country’s positive image.
Dr Kasese-Bota said this when she addressed Zambians resident in the tri-State of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, in  the United States of America (USA), during celebrations to mark Zambia’s 51st Independence anniversary at the Permanent Mission to the UN at the weekend.
“I appeal to you to speak positively of Zambia, Zambia’s leadership and all Zambians wherever you are because that is the only way we will continue to attract and inspire confidence in investors, financiers and tourists as well as maintain the good image that the world knows of Zambia,” she said.
She said Government was committed to meeting the aspirations of all Zambians through expansion of economic opportunities, harnessing entrepreneurship skills and innovations.
This was contained in a statement issued by First Secretary for Press and public relations Permanent Mission of Zambia to the UN, Chibaula Silwamba yesterday.
She urged Zambians to be part of the domestic private sector for the country to record impressive economic development.
Dr Kasese-Bota informed the gathering that Zambia held the National Day of Prayer, Fasting and Reconciliation on October 18 and that President Edgar Lungu led Zambians to rededicate the country to God.
“This is a new beginning to exhibit a unity of purpose which embraces each and every one of us, despite our different political affiliations, tribe and any other point of disparate, towards the common good for mother Zambia,” she said.
President of the Zambian Family Association in the tri-state, Patmo Shipo, paid glowing tribute to the freedom fighters that contributed to Zambia’s political liberation.
Mr Shipo praised President Lungu and his predecessors for their contributions to Zambia’s development and  the promotion of unity through the motto, “One Zambia, One Nation”.