Zambian envoy commends Tanzania for brotherly cooperation

The Zambian High Commissioner to Tanzania Prof. Royson Mukwena has commended the Tanzanian Government for creating an enabling environment for his mission to carry out its duties in the country.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, Prof. Mukwena said the Zambian government enjoyed a lot of support from its counterpart which made the work of the mission easier.

He gave the example of instances when Zambia experienced a fuel shortage, and Tanzania always moved in quickly to ensure the country received adequate fuel.

The high commissioner described the relations between the two countries as cordial and that it was necessary to ensure that political relations were sound as focus on economic development remained ultimate concern for all.

"We get a lot of support from the Tanzanian government which makes our work easier," he said.

On HIV/Aids, Prof. Mukwena said the two countries had made positive strides in that the leadership had taken it upon themselves to get involved in the fight against HIV/Aids.

"It also removes stigma when people of that standing bring issues to the fore," he said.

He pointed out that it was important for the two leaders to learn from each other, because the problem of HIV/Aids was not only a health problem but an economic one as well.

"HIV/Aids has a big impact on the economies of the countries, as it wipes out economic gains made so far," he said.

President Kikwete accompanied by First Lady Mama Salma Kikwete officially launched the Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) campaign on July 14, this year while his Zambian counterpart Levy Mwanawasa and First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa have been in the fore front to fight the war against HIV/Aids.

Prof. Mukwena commended Tanzanians for the unity where issues of tribe are secondary, an attitude which he said Zambia needed to learn from.

The High Commissioner was particularly impressed with the women movement in Tanzania which he said Zambia could learn a lot from as it had done a commendable job.