State Visit of HE Mr. Levy Mwanawasa, President of Zambia and of SADC
The President of the Republic of Zambia, and current President of the SADC, HE Mr. Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, on a State visit, has arrived in Madagascar on February 11, 2008.
Mr Mwanawasa was welcomed at the Ivalo International airport, in Antananarivo, by his Malagasy counterpart, HE President Marc Ravalomanana.
On his arrival President Mwanawasa told the press about the object of his visit in Madagascar. It is essentially because of his desire to know more about the realities of the Great Island, and also because of the prestige and the notoriety that President Ravalomanana commands.
President Mwanawasa also pledged the assistance of the SADC in Madagascar's efforts for its development, mainly in energy and port infrastructures.
He finally promised his country's and SADC's assistance for the hosting of the AU summit in 2009.
At the State Palace in Ambohitsorohitra, both Heads of State held a tête-à-tête after which President Ravalomana held a decoration ceremony, to honour his honourable guest, that was followed by a State banquet.
The following is the Speech of H.E. MARC RAVALOMANANA at the dinner:
Your Excellency, President of the Republic of Zambia, Chairman of SADC, and Dear Friend,
Mrs. Mwanawasa,
Mister Executive Secretary,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I welcome you as President of Zambia, which I first visited in August 2003. I still have a vivid memory of the beauty of your country.
I also welcome you as Chairman of SADC. We all feel that the achievements of that organization are still below its potential. We all hope that under your guidance SADC will make a quantum leap forward.
Dear Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, I welcome you as a friend. Many meetings with you within the African Union and elsewhere showed your reliability and honesty. I appreciate partnering with you, and I thank you for your friendship.
We recently met in Addis Ababa when the African Union members talked about the industrial development of Africa. I stressed the importance of doubling our agricultural productivity, launching a green revolution, enhancing the value chain, and developing agri-business. When I said all of this, I didn't only think of Madagascar. I also thought of Zambia and all other Members of SADC.
Every country in Southern Africa has to find its own way. But we all should consider how these different ways lead to a solid network of markets, infrastructure, information highways, and transfer of know-how.
It is the responsibility of SADC to strengthen regional integration. It is the role of SADC to help improve regional infrastructure. Mister President, I am very pleased that you will have a chance to see roads, ports, and electrical infrastructure projects here in Madagascar. We appreciate your support for improving our infrastructure. We appreciate your efforts for accelerating the pace of integration.
As Europe has become a success story, SADC should, SADC has to become a success story. We all know that we are still poor countries. But we also know that we all have a huge potential. The customs union, the common market, and the monetary union can help unleash that potential.
Take a look at our Madagascar Action Plan. And look around, Mister President. You'll find out that the Malagasy know where they want to go, that they are determined to get there, and that they are open to working with Zambia and all other SADC member states.
Thank you.
TOAST
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I invite you to raise your glasses to our friendship and cooperation
(Source: The Secretariat of Communication )
