Green Economy and Environment Minister, Hon. Collins Nzovu, has appealed to the Government of the Russian Federation for support towards forestry management, sustainable agriculture, training of personnel and clean energy.
The Minister was speaking when the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Zambia, Mr. Dmitry Yudin, paid a courtesy call on him today.
Mr. Nzovu noted the vast expertise that Russia has in various sectors including forestry, agriculture and education.
“Our Government is committed to fostering stronger relationship with the Russian Federation including in the areas of climate change, environmental protection and management, and green technologies to enhance economic development thereby uplifting the livelihoods of the citizens,” Mr. Nzovu said.
Mr. Nzovu said it would be helpful for Russia, with its wide expertise in forestry management and being the country with the world’s largest forest area, to share knowledge with Zambia. He said Russian expertise would help Zambia improve its forestry management.
Mr. Nzovu also said there is need to have generation of different types of energy, instead of heavy dependence on hydropower, to avert regular problems that Zambia faces in generation and supply of hydroelectricity in light of climatic changes that cause frequent droughts.
Mr. Nzovu also explained that considering the recent creation of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, there is need to provide specialised training for the personnel.
He, therefore, appealed to the Russian Federation to extend scholarship to the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.
On his part, Mr. Yudin assured the Minister of Russia’s continued support to Zambia.
He said Russia was available to assist Zambia improve its forestry management.
On training of personnel, the Chargé d’Affaires said once the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment submits the formal request through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Embassy will convey the request to Moscow. He expressed optimism that the Russian Federation would be willing to consider extending scholarships in the areas of specialisation that the Ministry wants.
Mr. Yudin said the Russian Government was committed to continue providing scholarships to Zambians every year, and contribute to the country’s sustainable development.
On energy, Mr. Yudin said indicated that Russia has technology for production of clean energy, and can collaborate and extend to Zambia.
I would not trust the Russians, especially Mr Putin, look how they have blasted their own satellite in Space, which created debris that forced the ISS crew to shelter in their capsule, there are also threatening to invade Ukraine, and their henchman in Belarus. Good Lord.
No please. Not Russia or China. Let’s call on Zambians. Nothing good has ever come out from Russia or China other than exploitation and taking advantage of others. Ask Ukraine
I agree with #1 and #2. You can’t trust the Russians. They’re world champions corruption. Oh, no, that prize goes to PF. But they’re a good second
So what happened to the Russian Nuclear Power Plant Luo was talking about…they even appointed the late Secretary to the cabinet as Director? These are some of the pending issues this govt has kept a lid on …people want to know the truth.
1 ,2 & 3. it is clear from your comments that you yet have to appreaciate real geopolitics let alone international power politics. seems like you have a blind belief in every thing western,,I beg to disagree with you, look again and see what really is happeing!!. what has the western world done other cause discord every where they have been> look at history and we are still seeing the same even today.the list is endless. Libya,afganistan,Iraq,syria etc. therefore, to say nothing comes out of china and russia is disingenous.
i rest my case
Mizo, Russia’s hand is in the same countries. Bolstering dictators Gadafi, Sadam and now Assad. Russia invaded Afghanistan first and also lost to the Taliban. Russian economy is tanking. I don’t know what they can offer us. It’s a question of the lesser evil.
Steve – You call Col Gadaffi a dictator but look at the state of his country after his demise, no free education, no free grants for newly wed couple…all the oil companies have take away by the West. Gadaffi had vision for a united Africa, one currency that scared the socks out of western powers structures …hence they sent their puppet Obama to get rid of him!!