Mrs. Winnie N. Chibesakunda, Ambassador of Zambia to China Photo: Courtesy of Zambian Embassy to China

 
Zambian Ambassador to China Winnie N. Chibesakunda expressed condolences in an exclusive interview with the Global Times for the murder of three Chinese citizens in Lusaka, stating that Zambia will strengthen measures to protect the lives of Chinese living in Zambia.

Three Chinese citizens were killed in a vicious attack in a Chinese company's warehouse in Zambia's capital Lusaka on May 24. According to a preliminary investigation by Zambian police, the suspects are two men and one woman from the local area, the Chinese Embassy in Zambia said on its website. The Chinese Embassy to Zambia conveyed solemn representation to the Zambian foreign ministry on May 25.

Ambassador Chibesakunda expressed deepest heartfelt condolences to the Chinese government and the families of the deceased ones on the loss of the trio beloved Chinese nationals in Lusaka, on behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of Zambia and herself.

She told the Global Times that the Zambian government deeply regrets the loss of precious lives of the Chinese nationals that had been living and conducting business in Zambia. Such criminal activities are uncalled for in whatever form or manner, she added.

"To this end, the Government of the Republic of Zambia has instituted investigations to bring the perpetrators of this gruesome act to justice and shall endeavor to continue strengthening measures to protect the lives of Chinese living in Zambia," she stated.

Chibesakunda stressed that Zambia has always been a peace sanctuary from time immemorial, having accommodated many foreign nationals including their all-weather friends, the Chinese people.

The opening of our country to trade and foreign direct investment, coupled with peaceful nature and warm cultural orientation of Zambians, has attracted many Chinese people to not only do business but work and live in Zambia, she said.

She stated China-Zambia relations have existed for more than half a century, the foot print of these relations are visible through monumental emblems such as the TAZARA Railway line connecting Zambia to the port of Dar-es-salaam in Tanzania and various other infrastructure projects supported by China.

"Over and above this can be seen in the recent cooperation in the fight against COVID-19," she said.

"Simply, I wish to ascertain that the tragic murder of three Chinese nationals recently in Lusaka is an isolated case and will not in any way affect the warm and friendly relations between our two nations which are founded on mutual respect and win-win cooperation,"said Chibesakunda.

She noted Zambia and China will continue to work together to achieve a shared goal of building a closer China-Africa community with a shared future which will eventually turn into a pacesetter for building a shared global community for mankind.