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.

Our warm congratulations to Rt. Honourable Elizabeth (Liz) Truss (MP), the new leader of the British Conservative Party, who has also been elected as the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Pleased to be in Mwinilunga today to officially commission the K130 million multi fruit processing Kalene Hills Fruit Factory, a 100 percent Zambian-owned business being developed by IDC.

Fellow citizens, We officiated at the closing ceremony of the 4th Mid-Year Coordination Summit of Heads Of State and Government of The African Union.

Today at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, we gave a key note address to the first ever Private Public Dialogue (PPD) forum themed, "A Zambia With a Conducive Business Environment Supportive to Jobs and Wealth".

Today we officiated at this year's commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, where the theme was "Addressing Drug Challenges In Health And Humanitarian Crises".