Zambia’s National Day

Flag of Zambia

Hillary Clinton

Secretary of State

 

I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Zambia as you celebrate your 47th anniversary of independence this October 24.

 

The United States and Zambia have a long history of partnership and cooperation. We have worked to expand access to health care, improve education, stimulate economic growth, and promote greater democratic freedoms. In your recent electoral process, the people of Zambia demonstrated a commitment to peace and democratic transition, inaugurating Zambia’s fifth president since independence. We look forward to working together in even more ways as we pursue our shared goals.

 

As you celebrate this special day with family, friends and loved ones, know that the United States stands with you as a partner and friend. Congratulations and best wishes on a year of peace, prosperity, and opportunity.

Note: Zambia has come a long way since its independence. The first President, Kenneth Kaunda, was a sponsor of terrorism, especially of anti-Rhodesian militant groups. From 1972 to 1991 the socialist United National Independence Party was the only legal political party, making Zambia a socialist one-party state.  The country in its youth also developed close ties to the Soviet Union, the People's Republic of China, and Baathist Iraq.

In the 2000s, the Zambian economy has stabilized, inflation has lowered, GDP has grown, and foreign investments have gone up.

Flag of Zambia image is in the public domain and was obtained from Wikimedia Commons.