Zambia: President Zuma in Zambia for State visit

Lusaka, Zambia (PANA) – South African President Jacob Zuma began a two-day State Visit to Zambia Thursday aimed at deepening and strengthening existing good political, economic and cultural relations underpinned by strong historical ties that date back from the years of the liberation struggle.

The visiting South African President who arrived in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, immediately visited the Presidential Burial site at Embassy Park in Lusaka and was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba and South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

President Zuma laid wreaths in honour of Zambia’s fallen Presidents, Michael Sata, Levy Mwanawasa and Fredrick Chiluba.

President Zuma is leading a business delegation as well as senior South African government officials that will participate in the Zambia-South Africa Business Forum which will be addressed by the two Heads of State as part of deepening trade and investment between the two countries.

Zuma on Wednesday officially opened the OR Tambo National Heritage site in Lusaka as part of celebrating the legacy and centenary year of South Africa's struggle stalwart, Oliver Reginald Tambo.

In the economic sector, economic cooperation between South Africa and Zambia is steadily growing.

In 2016, South African exports to Zambia amounted to approximately R30 billion. Zambia is one of South Africa’s top trading partners in the region and the continent.

The two countries cooperate in a variety of areas, including trade and investment, science and technology, defence, agriculture, environment, energy as well as health.

There are over 120 South African companies doing business in Zambia in various sectors, including telecommunications, aviation, tourism, banking, property, retail, entertainment and fast foods.

President Zuma is accompanied by Nkoana-Mashabane, Ministers of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa; Trade and Industry, Rob Davies; Energy, Mmamoloko Kubayi; Mineral Resources, Mosebenzi Zwane; and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Senzeni Zokwana.
-0- PANA MM/VAO 12Oct2017