Zambia’s envoy to Turkey dies

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the death of Zambia’s ambassador to Turkey Joseph Chilengi, aged 61.

According to a statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs public relations officer Chansa Kabwela, Ambassador Chilengi died yesterday at 22:35 hours at Güven Hospital in Ankara where he was receiving medical attention.

Kabwela said foreign affairs minister Joseph Malanji announced the “sad development in Lusaka”.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of our Ambassador accredited to the Republic of Turkey,  His Excellency Dr. Joseph Chilengi after a short illness,” Kabwela quoted Malanji as saying.

Kabwela said Malanji regretted the “sad loss of Ambassador Chilengi” stating that he had worked very hard to promote bilateral and trade relations between the Republic of Zambia and the Republic of Turkey.

The Minister expressed his condolences to the family of Ambassador Chilengi.

She guided that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will announce the funeral arrangements in due course.

Ambassador Chilengi was appointed by President Edgar Lungu, and later swore as Zambia’s envoy to the Republic of Turkey in January 2018.

Prior to that, Ambassador Chilengi served as the Presiding Officer of the African Union Economic, Social & Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) and was instrumental in ensuring that Zambia hosted its Secretariat.

Kalemba May 12, 2021