Speaker Matibini thanks Knesst (Parliament of Israel) for ties with NAZ

Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Rt. Hon. Mr Justice Dr Patrick Matibini, SC., FCIArb, BA, MP has thanked the Knesset (Parliament of Israel) for considering Zambia to be the 39th country in the world to join The International Network of Parliamentary Caucuses.  He said this during the launch of the Zambia Israel Allies Parliamentary Caucus at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, 14th March 2019.
Speaker Matibini urged the newly formed Caucus to promote legislation that advances peace, understanding and mutual benefits between the two countries.  He emphasised that the Caucus should support events and projects initiated by the local Jewish community and other non-Jewish pro-Israel activists as well as stand up for democratic values, human rights and morality whenever necessary.
Dr Matibini expressed appreciation at the warm and friendly relations that have existed between the State of Israel and the Republic of Zambia, resulting in the establishment of the Zambian Embassy in Israel in 2015, through which diplomatic relations and cooperation in security, economic, agriculture and tourism sectors have been enhanced.
He noted that Israel and Zambia had a lot in common in terms of spirituality as Israel is the birthplace of Christianity. The declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation as enshrined in the Zambian constitution made it easier for the two countries to relate.
The Ambassador of Israel to Zambia, His Excellency Mr Gershon Kedar, Members of Parliament, local clergy and visiting dignitaries from South Africa and Sweden were part of the Launch.
The Israeli Parliamentary Caucuses have been established throughout the world to support good relations between the State of Israel and other countries.  The Caucuses also promote the importance of grassroots Jewish and Pro-Israel Christian Movements in their constituencies. They emphasize common values and maintain good relations with leaders of such communities.