GOVERNOR-GENERAL OFFERS UNSTINTING AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT FOR ZAMBIA AS “CHAMPIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIGNITY”

20 March 2009

20 March 2009

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OFFERS UNSTINTING AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT FOR ZAMBIA AS “CHAMPIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIGNITY”

In the first visit to Zambia by an Australian Head of State, the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, has offered Australia’s “unstinting support” in confronting human rights violations.

Addressing a State luncheon in Lusaka, Ms Bryce said the Australian Government was ready to engage with Africa in a new way.   

“We want to strengthen our bilateral links, and be constructive partners in your agenda of development and sustainability”, Ms Bryce said. 

“We share a value for fair and just governance, and for the ideals of peace,  stability,  and opportunity. Those ideals led us both a generation ago to oppose Apartheid, we from a distance, and you in the frontline”.

“They lead us now to champion human rights and dignity wherever they are threatened and trammelled”.  

“Here in Zambia, our bilateral relationship has firm foundations. Our governments have worked together in the Commonwealth of Nations, and our people are linked to each other, particularly through education”, she said.   

“I know that Australia is home to 4000 Zambians, many of whom are there to study, and the Australian Institute of Business and Technology here in Zambia is a unique space for learning and growth”.

“We are partners in trade. Australian companies like Equinox Minerals and First Quantum are building economic capacity here, investing in Zambia’s future”.

“Alongside opportunity is responsibility. We are committed to human and environmental wellbeing, to achieving food and water security, and ensuring that Zambia’s children have the opportunity to grow and flourish, to have healthy, happy and fruitful lives”.

During her visit to Zambia, Ms Bryce held discussions with President Rupiah Banda and the Founding president of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, as well as visiting the University Teaching Hospital and the HIV Technical Support Foundation in Chongwe.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photographs of the State luncheon and copies of the Governor-General’s speech are available for downloading at www.gg.gov.au

For further information: Sam Begg 0410 465 728