SA and Zambia enhance bilateral cooperation

South Africa and Zambia signed two agreements and four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing bilateral co-operation between the two countries when President Jacob Zuma visited late last year. The agreements covered co-operation in the fields of energy, mining and geology while the MoUs covered trade and industry, health, agriculture and diplomatic consultations, according to BuaNews. Zuma and Zambian President, Rupiah Bwezani Banda, reviewed a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues. The two presidents affirmed the need to enhance people-to-people cooperation through cultural exchange programmes. On regional issues the two leaders exchanged views on the prevailing political, economic and security situations in the region. “In this regard, the two heads of state committed themselves to working together in pursuit of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Agenda,” according to a communique. With regard to climate change, they emphasised the need for the international community to work together with a view to establishing a legally binding framework to reduce carbon emissions. Zuma, who was accompanied by several Cabinet ministers and a business delegation representing 60 companies, urged business people to exploit opportunities available between South Africa and Zambia. He said his state visit should be used as a building block for creating opportunities to strengthen business to business links between the two countries. He also requested that Zambia partner with South Africa for a future of growth, stability and prosperity. Zuma was awarded the highest national honour, the Eagle of Zambia during his visit, in addition to an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Zambia for his contribution to the struggle for freedom. The President opened the R1.7 billion sugar plantation project sponsored by South Africa’s Illovo in Mazabuka, outside Lusaka. Speaking at that event, Zuma said Zambia was a model country for investment. “There is no doubt that the company’s expansion has had a positive impact on the economic development of Zambia through foreign exchange earnings and provision of sustainable employment.”