ANKARA, TURKEY, July 12, 2010 - His Excellency, Mr. Rupiah Banda, President of the Republic of Zambia, Monday held closed-door bilateral talks with his Turkish counterpart, His Excellency, Mr. Abdullah Gul, where they discussed a number of issues mainly on trade and economic development.
President Banda, who was accorded full military honour with a 21-gun salute at the Presidential palace in Ankara, said he was very happy with the issues agreed between Zambia and Turkey during the official talks. He said he was happy that Turkey will soon launch a direct flight through its flagship – Turkish Airline – to Lusaka and the Turkish Government will open an embassy in Zambia.
President Banda said the two governments have also agreed to relax visa requirements for officials visiting either country. He said Zambia will additionally allow Turkish tourists and businessmen to acquire visas at the point of entry instead of obtaining them through its embassies.
President Banda and his Turkish counterpart witnessed the signing of two agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two governments on cooperation, including one on aviation, which will facilitate for the Turkish Airline to launch direct flights to Zambia.
The other agreements are on cooperation in the flied of foreign service training between Zambia’s diplomatic school and that of Turkey while the last one was on political consultation mechanism between the two foreign ministries.
During the meeting, the Turkish President hailed the economic achievements and political stability being experienced in Zambia. He thanked President Banda for having provided good and stable leadership since he took office in 2008.
While in Turkey, President Banda and his delegation will attend the Turkey-Zambia Trade and Commerce Forum where a presentation of investment opportunities in Zambia will be delivered. The President will also meet various Turkish businessmen and women at the same forum.
President Banda has been accompanied to Turkey by First Lady Madam Thandiwe Banda, Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Kabinga Pande, MP, Finance and National Planning Minister Hon. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, Energy, Water Development Minister Hon. Kenneth Konga, MP, and Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice President Hon. Guston Sichilima, MP.
President Banda is due to attend a State banquet to be hosted by Turkish leader in honour of his historic State visit.
The President is tentatively scheduled to return to Lusaka on Thursday.
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Issued by
Dickson Jere
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
