Accompanied by my wife Mutinta, we have left for the Republic of Namibia to participate in that country's annual Swakopmund International Trade Expo (SWAiTEX).

We have concluded late in the evening our tour of duty here in Mongu, where we came to officially open the first ever Western Province Trade, Tourism and Investment Expo where a number of local and international exhibitors in various sectors showcased their products and businesses.

We are adding 400,000 more beneficiaries on social cash transfer to push the number towards 1.4million. This has been made possible by removal of fuel subsidies.

We warmly welcomed, French Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships, Madame Chrysoula Zacharopoulou and delegation for a courtesy call.

The biggest challenge in our livestock sub sector has been disease control and lack of vaccines.

We are replacing Farmers Input Support Programme (FISP) with Comprehensive Agriculture Support Programme (CASP) because FISP was focused on inputs and production to the exclusion of extension services.

It was a distinct honour and privilege to have participated in the first ever China-Zambia Trade and Investment Forum at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, in Lusaka today. The theme, "China-Zambia Trade and Investment Forum In The New Era: All Weather, All Dimensional and High - Quality Friendship", is an appropriate concept that is in concert with our ever deepening relation with the People's Republic of China on many fronts.

Today we participate in the China - Zambia Trade and Investment Forum, with over 200 Chinese businesses taking part.

Great business opportunities to look out for, as Zambia and the People's Republic of China hold their first-ever trade and investment forum aimed at further unlocking and leveraging the trade and investment potential between the two countries.

First Lady and I have arrived safely from New York in the United States, where we attended the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly.

Following successful meetings in New York, the First Lady and I were delighted to be invited for dinner by the President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden, and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

It was great to have our first face-to-face meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) MD, Kristalina Georgieva, who expressed gladness at the open and frank discussions that led to Zambia’s IMF-supported program.

It was a wonderful and relaxing evening mingling and exchanging ideas with our citizens based here in New York.

We held talks with the United Nations Secretary General Mr. António Guterres on the need for world peace and unity.

We have left for the Republic of Angola, to attend the inauguration ceremony of His Excellence President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço.

We are encouraged how you waited to engage with us in conversation. This shows your desire and resolve to work with everyone in bringing the much needed development.

Your vote counts and the results can be seen through free education, end of caderism, creating more than 30,000 jobs for teachers, over 11, 000 health workers jobs among many others promises we have delivered.

On the historic yet solemn occasion marking the accession of His Majesty King Charles III to the throne of the U.K and Northern Ireland, and as Head of the Commonwealth, we wish, on behalf of the Government and people of Zambia, to express our solidarity with His Majesty and people of the U.K.

We convey our profound regret and express our deep sorrow and sadness, to the people of the United Kingdom, on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Our congratulations to Dr William Samoei Ruto, on being declared the Fifth President of the Republic of Kenya.