NEW DELHI — The Indian Government says this year marks a milestone in its bilateral relationship with Zambia which clocks 60 years and that it will fully support any programmes put in place towards this monumental celebration.
Speaking when Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Permanent Secretary Administration Ms. Hope Situmbeko paid a courtesy call on him in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs Joint Secretary Puneet Kundal said celebrating 60 years of mutual and bilateral relations between the two countries will be crowned by Dr. Kenneth Kaunda’s 100 years’ centenary.
Mr. Kundal said India is proud of the continued growth of its relationship with Zambia and that the two countries will continue to explore new avenues for cooperation by taking advantage of existing opportunities.
He noted the high-level exchange visits with the latest being that of Her Honour Mrs. W.K Mutale Nalumango, M.P Vice President of Zambia in 2022 and the Rt Honourable Ms Nelly B.K Mutti, Speaker of the National Assembly in 2023. He added that the Indian Government is looking forward to reciprocal high-level visits to Zambia accompanied by a group of investors from India.
He proposed that the Foreign Office Consultations be held in Lusaka to prepare for the proposed Joint Permanent Commission tentatively scheduled for November, 2024, as it has been long overdue.
And Ms. Situmbeko thanked India for using its tenure as President of the G20 to speak for the Global South which includes Zambia, as well as the historical admission of the African Union as part of the G20.
She expressed gratitude to the Government and people of India for the continued invaluable assistance rendered to Zambia’s development agenda over the years in various fields particularly health, education, infrastructure development and defence.
She has further called for the finalisation of a number of pending Memoranda of Understanding.
She said construction works for the new Chancery for the Zambia High Commission in New Delhi will commence in the next two months, an indication that Zambia is in India to stay in view of the sound bilateral relations and strategic partnership existing between the two countries.
“The African Union will be hosting the India-Africa Summit this year and the Zambian Government looks forward to this forum which aims to further strengthen relations between India and Africa, and build on the gains made with the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20.” Ms. Situmbeko said.
Discussion about this post