Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema (C-R) and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan (C-L) attend a ceremony marking the Independence Day in Lusaka, Zambia, on Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Martin Mbangweta)
LUSAKA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Tuesday celebrated its 59th independence anniversary, with a call to expedite economic development.
The commemoration, graced by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Zambian counterpart, Hakainde Hichilema, commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Freedom Statue in honor of those who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
In her address, the Tanzanian president said independence was not only meant to make the continent politically free but economically free as well. "When we talk about equitable distribution, we mean people to be at the center of development," she said.
Governments in Africa will continue to put policies in place to ensure that people are at the center of development, the Tanzanian president said, adding that the two countries are currently working on various programs to enhance people-to-people cooperation through trade.
Hichilema said that this year's independence theme underscores the government's determination to extend development to all corners of the nation. He reiterated the government's dedication to promoting inclusive development and a just society, as these are the prerequisites for expediting economic growth and job creation.
While acknowledging the selfless efforts of the freedom fighters who secured political emancipation, Hichilema stressed that the current leadership must strive to achieve economic and social emancipation while ensuring the equitable distribution of resources.
The Zambian president also lauded the bilateral cooperation between Zambia and Tanzania, emphasizing its enduring importance for the benefit of both nations' citizens. ■
Diplomatic envoys attend a ceremony marking the Independence Day in Lusaka, Zambia, on Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Martin Mbangweta)