Brussels, 9 January 2011: Zambia's Ambassador to the EU, ACP and Benelux countries, Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika bid farewell to ACP Secretary-General, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas who described her as a role model to the women of Zambia and that every girl child in her country needs to hear her story.

Dr. Mbikusita-Lewanika whose tour of duty has come to an end was described by the ACP Chief as one who was a real pleasure to work with as she brought her wisdom and experience to the table although her stay in Brussels had been short.

"You will be missed," quipped Dr. Chambas who was however elated that Zambia would host the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly(JPA) in Lusaka next month. In reply, Dr. Mbikusita-Lewanika said her stay in the European capital had made her gain layers of experience and expertise in areas previously uncharted for her.

During her brief tour of duty in Brussels, she has chaired ACP Committees on Least Developed Countries(LDCs), the Brussels' chapter of the International Conference of Great Lakes Region(ICGLR) as well as the Trade and Commodities committee. All in all, the Zambian envoy has had 20 years of public service, 11 as a parliamentarian in Zambia and nine as diplomat the bulk of which were in Washington before her transfer to Brussels, less than two years ago.