Democracy Fully Entrenched, Republic of Zambia is Ripe for Investment in All Sectors Says Ambassador Palan Mulonda to Focus Washington

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Achievements are many, but one that stands out is Zambia has managed to maintain peace and stability for the last 50 years," Zambian Ambassador to the U.S. Palan Mulonda told Chuck Conconi during an interview on Focus Washington.   "We have managed to have two government transitions peacefully, and our democracy, one can argue, is now firmly entrenched."

As the Republic of Zambia celebrates 50 years of independence, the Ambassador paid tribute to the founding fathers of Zambia in their sacrifice and actions to secure the peace that exists today.  "Zambia was created with a motto," the Ambassador said, "this motto resonated very well.  This was "One Zambia, One nation." And what that means he explained, "was that as a nation, tribe, color, be it any form of distinction was never to be a factor."

No Animosity

Unlike some other African nations, Zambia does not suffer from the tribal animosities that exist in other places on the continent.  "Off course you have tribal identity, but one thing that you realize when you visit Zambia is that we have a lot of intermarriages, and so it is very difficult for one to totally identify with their tribal grouping," Ambassador Mulonda said, highlighting also that interracial marriages are commonplace.  Pointing to just how far the country has gone beyond tribe and race, Ambassador Mulonda pointed out that Zambia is the only country in the world alongside the U.S. that has two people at the helm of their countries of two different races – President Obama and Vice President Biden, and [Zambian] President Michael Sata, and Vice President Dr. Guy Scott, who originally is Scottish.

Regional Struggles

While other African nations have struggled to maintain peace and stability within the region, the Republic of Zambia has played host to those peoples struggling for liberation.

"We will continue to participate, as a country, in peacekeeping initiatives that are within the region.  We have, as you know, played host to hundreds of thousands of refugees from across the continent, and also that we are a small island of peace surrounded by eight countries, so it's in our own interest to continue to pursue peace on the continent," Ambassador Mulonda noted.  "Not only for our own sake and safety, but for Africa's sake."

The Next 50 Years

Working towards the future, and noting Zambia's Vision 2030 where Zambia sees itself as a middle income country, Ambassador Mulonda stated that Zambia will work towards reducing income inequality and eliminating poverty, grow the economy and attract investment, and a Zambia that is fully emancipated.

Publicis Groupe recently acquired 100 percent of Qorvis Communications, one of the most respected independent public relations firms in the United States. The agency became part of MSLGROUP, Publicis Groupe's strategic communications and engagement network.

About MSLGROUP
MSLGROUP is Publicis Groupe's strategic communications and engagement group, advisors in all aspects of communication strategy: from consumer PR to financial communications, from public affairs to reputation management and from crisis communications to experiential marketing and events. With more than 3,500 people across close to 100 offices worldwide, MSLGROUP is also the largest PR network in Europe, fast-growing China and India. The group offers strategic planning and counsel, insight-guided thinking and big, compelling ideas – followed by thorough execution.
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About Publicis Groupe
Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, CAC 40] is one of the world's leading communications groups. We offer the full range of services and skills: digital (DigitasLBi, Razorfish, Rosetta, VivaKi), creative services (BBH, Leo Burnett, Publicis Worldwide, Saatchi & Saatchi), public affairs, corporate communications and events (MSLGROUP), media strategy, planning and buying (Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia) and healthcare communications, with Publicis Healthcare Communications Group (PHCG). Present in 108 countries, the Groupe employs 60,000 professionals. 
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SOURCE Focus Washington

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