(Check Against Delivery)

 

 

 

A Tribute to the Memory of His Excellency Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia

by

H.E. Mr. Motohide Yoshikawa

Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations

On Behalf of the Asia-Pacific Group

At the General Assembly

 

 

30 October 2014

 

Mr. President,

 

I have the great honor to speak on behalf of the Asia-Pacific Group at this solemn gathering of the General Assembly to pay tribute to the memory of His Excellency Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata, late President of the Republic of Zambia.

 

 

Mr. President,

 

History will no doubt remember the late President Sata as a man of conviction and action.

 

Throughout his term in office that began in 2011, the late President worked diligently to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. His strong leadership had profoundly contributed to the betterment of Zambian society.

 

He carried out policies that catered to “pro-poor” and “equitable development,” and shed light on the “have-nots” of the nation’s population.

In particular, the late President realized the provision of free medical services for the people, and built an additional 650 health posts throughout the country.

 

In the field of education, he promoted the construction of facilities for elementary and secondary schools, thereby doubling the number of school buildings in Zambia.

 

Furthermore, he vigorously promoted infrastructure development in rural areas. As a result, the country is now witnessing the construction of roads that will stretch as long as 10,000 km, including 2,000 km of paved roads.

 

The late President also underscored the importance of realizing social justice. He established an anti-corruption commission and increased the staffs and budget for the Auditor-General’s Office.

 

Mr. President,

 

He was also a strong supporter of the United Nations.

 

In his address to this august Assembly in September 2013, which sadly turned out to be his last appearance on this podium, he solemnly declared his belief in multilateralism and his determination to work towards international peace and development through this Organization.

 

One notable instance of his commitment to the United Nations was Zambia’s active role in addressing various challenges that Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) are faced with. The Zambian delegation, in its capacity as Chair of the Group of LLDCs, has been taking the lead in this field.

 

His passing is undoubtedly a tremendous loss for this world body.

 

 

Mr. President,

 

In my national capacity, I would like to briefly touch upon the privileged relationship that Japan had with Zambia and its late President Sata.

 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Zambian independence.

 

It was on the day of the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 1964 that Northern Rhodesia became independent as Zambia. Newly founded Zambia’s athletes proudly marched onto the field in Tokyo, brandishing their national flag. Japanese people were deeply impressed by their march, which symbolized a huge expectation towards their bright future.

 

Since then, our two countries have been fostering strong and friendly relationships. Japan’s Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino visited Zambia last July to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations.

The late President Sata had made significant contributions in strengthening our bilateral ties. Through his visits to Japan, including his official visit in 2012 and his participation in the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V) in 2013, he personally deepened exchanges with our people. 

 

I myself had the honor to meet with President Sata in January this year on the occasion of the African Union’s summit in Addis Ababa. It was thus with great sadness that I learned of the sudden passing of the late President.

 

 

Mr. President,

 

The world has lost a great politician.

 

On this solemn occasion, in my capacity as President of the Asia-Pacific Group for the month of October, I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the family of the late President and to the Government and people of the Republic of Zambia. It is our strong belief that Zambian people have the strength to overcome this sadness and to continue to work towards further prosperity.

 

May his soul rest in peace.

 

Thank you, Mr. President.