Former Zambian President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda has transplanted two millennium tree seedlings here in Addis Ababa on Friday at a ceremony held at the National Palace.

Zambia’s first president, now 82, is here to solicit Ethiopia’s support for Zambia’s candidate running for the chairpersonship of the Commission of the African Union.

“I want to thank those who are involved in this event, which is an important occasion for me,” he told journalists after planting the two trees in the yard of the Palace.

Kaunda told journalist that he similarly had planted two trees 44 years ago, in Addis Ababa at the park situated in front of the African Economic Commission (ECA) and the national Palace.

“I am just coming from there, it is great. The two trees that I planted with many heads of states including Ahmed Ben Bella, [former Algerian president] have grown well. It is an important place that time remembers,” Kaunda said.

“When we started the struggle here in 1962, we planted trees through the leadership of Ethiopia. I am here again planting another trees for the next millennium,” he added.

Concerning changes that took place since 1963, Kaunda said Ethiopia’s development is amazing. “The capital of Africa has developed very well and still developing very well indeed, I am very proud to witness this,” he added.

The tree seedling transplanting is part of the millennium celebration which was joined by heads of states, senior officials, re known personalities and the Ethiopian people at large.

Under this program, also known as, ‘Two Trees for Two Thousand’ over one billion trees have been transplanted planted across the nation.

E-7:307:55

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