We were delighted to have had the opportunity to engage in discussions with Mr. Jean-Pierr

We were delighted to have had the opportunity to engage in discussions with Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, and his delegation today at State House.



Our talks primarily focused on the partnership between the UN and Zambia, particularly regarding our contribution to peacekeeping operations.



Zambia has a proud history of engaging in peacekeeping efforts with the UN, dating back to 1988 when we first deployed peacekeepers to Iraq. Currently, we have a significant number of troops deployed in various peace operations with the majority in the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).



We reaffirmed our commitment to continuing our contributions to peacekeeping efforts, as we believe instability in any part of the world affects stability everywhere. We also firmly understand that peace is a fundamental prerequisite for economic development.



As Zambia prepares to assume the Chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Peace and Security in August, we have requested the support of the UN to effectively maintain peace and security in the region.



Hakainde Hichilema,

President of the Republic of Zambia.
We were delighted to have had the opportunity to engage in discussions with Mr. Jean-Pierr