Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia Rt. Hon Mr Justice Dr Patrick Matibini, SC, FCIArb, BA, MP has applauded the Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretariat for the support they have continued rendering to the Zambian Parliament.

Dr Matibini made these remarks on Tuesday, 9th April 2019, at Sheraton Hotel Doha during a Bilateral meeting held with the Secretary General of the IPU Mr Martin Chungong on the side-lines of the 140th Assembly of the Inter – Parliamentary Assembly and Related Meetings recently held in Doha, Qatar from 6 to 10 April 2019.

Dr Matibini expressed gratitude for the continued technical assistance and further mentioned that the Zambian Parliament was ready to collaborate with the IPU in areas such as the ICT to move towards the creation of an e- parliament and many more which will benefit the institution. Dr Matibini assured Mr Chungong that the creation of the IPU ICT Hub at the Zambian Parliament was a milestone which shows the confidence the IPU has in its member parliaments.

Dr Matibini further thanked Mr Chungong for the technical support the Zambian Parliament received from the IPU when they recently hosted a workshop for Members of Parliament on the proposal to revise the Public Order Act. Dr Matibini also disclosed that, as a result of holding this workshop, the Government of the Republic of Zambia had initiated the National Dialogue process to among other things, amend pieces of topical Legislation.

Earlier, the IPU Secretary General, Mr Martin Chungong commended the Zambian Parliament for the initiative on the programmes it had come up with and  expressed his desire to collaborate further with member Parliaments in that area. Mr Chungong said that the creation of the ICT Hub at the Zambian Parliament was in its quest to open Regional Hubs in conducive environments where others can benefit from the use of information and communication technology. He added that the IPU Secretariat was keen to get feedback on the activities so far implemented as this would be the best way in which the collaboration would progress.

In attendance in the meeting was the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mrs Cecilia Mbewe, Principal Clerk (Public and International Relations), Mr Stephen Kawimbe, Executive Assistant to the Hon Speaker, Mr Chongo Musonda and Executive Assistant to the Clerk of National Assembly, Mr Banabas Bwalya.

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