VENEZUELA - ZAMBIA SEAL COOPERATION DEAL

Zambia and Venezuela have signed two agreements which are a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) for diplomatic consultations and a framework of cooperation which will allow the two countries to agree on issues of cooperation.

Hon. Kabinga Pande

The signing of the two agreements was held at the AU Summit in Kampala, Uganda today.

The agreements are aimed at enhancing the relations between the two countries.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kabinga Pande signed on behalf of Zambia while Venezuelan Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for Africa Reinaldo Bolivar signed on behalf of his country.

Speke Resort Munyonyo, Uganda venue for AU Summit

The MoU on the diplomatic consultations will enable the two countries to consult with one another on bilateral and multilateral fora while the framework on cooperation will enable the two governments discuss issues of cooperation in the areas of agriculture, education health, energy among other issues.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kabinga Pande said President Banda initiated the relations for the two countries.

Mr. Mpande said President Banda will be happy that his efforts have been fulfilled today.

The minister said the agreements are the beginning of strong relations between the two countries.

He hoped that Venezuela would consider opening a diplomatic office in Zambia to strengthen the relations.

And Mr. Bolivar said his country was looking forward to the relationship that was established between the two countries.

Mr Bolivar said the agreements were as a result of the talks the two countries had at the South America Africa Summit in September, 2009.

ZANIS