By Agness Changala
Russia’s Ambassador to Zambia Dr. Azim Yarakhmedov says despite the short-sighted policies of certain Western states that threatened political and economic stability in the world, the Russian Federation, under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, was pursuing a patient and balanced domestic and foreign policy.
And Ambassador Yarakhmedov said late president Edgar Lungu will be remembered as a staunch supporter in strengthening ties between the two countries.
Speaking at the reception and main National Day of Russia which was held at Intercontinental Hotel on Wednesday in Lusaka, Ambassador Yarakhmedov said this day was rightly regarded as one of the most important state holidays, and brought together all those who took pride in the heroic past of their motherland, looked to its future with confidence, and were passionately and responsibly building its present.
“Today, amid a complex international environment, exacerbated by the short-sighted policies of certain Western states that threatened political and economic stability in the world, the Russian Federation, under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, was pursuing a patient and balanced domestic and foreign policy,” he said.
The Ambassador said this policy was founded on a deep appreciation of the great history of the Russian state, an unbroken connection between generations, and the best traditions and rich heritage of the peoples of the Russian Federation.
He said today in Ukraine, Russia was seeing he consequences of the West’s Russophobic policy, which had systematically imposed Nazi ideology, anti-Russian sentiment, and incited Ukrainians against Russians in pursuit of its own geopolitical goals.
“However, despite everything, Russia continues to demonstrate its ability to adapt to change, to strengthen its sovereignty, and to defend its national priorities,” Ambassador Yarakhmedov said.
He said among the priorities was the development of equal and mutually beneficial relations with African nations, including, Zambia.
“Our two countries are bound by a rich history of cooperation, both bilaterally and in multilateral forums,” he said.
Ambassador Yarakhmedov said he was confident that the people of Zambia and Russia would continue to uphold with dignity the traditions of mutual respect, friendship, and mutual support established by fathers and grandfathers.
And the Ambassador said during his time as head of state, late former president Lungu did a lot in terms of social economic development of Zambia and for the development of Zambia and Russia ties.
“In Russia he will be remembered as a staunch supporter of strengthening of ties between our countries,” Ambassador Yarakhmedov said.
Earlier, Ambassador Yarakhmedov conveyed his sincere condolences to the family, friends, and the people of Zambia on the untimely passing of Lungu.
