Zambia calls to enhance economic relations with Sudan

May 29, 2009 (LUSAKA) — Zambian President Rupiah Banda on Friday called on Sudan to work out special modalities to enhance social and economic cooperation between the two countries.

President Banda made his statement when he received credentials from Sudanese Ambassador-Designate to Zambia Sabit Abbe Alley, reported the Zambian News and Information Service (ZANIS).

Banda said as Zambia and Sudan continue to enjoy the cordial relations, there is need for the two countries to support each other on matters of mutual concern such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, peace, security, terrorism and climate change.

He also underscored the support of his government to the regional and international effort to restore peace in Darfur. Banda added that his country would continue to exert efforts to ensure peace and security in Darfur.

The Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir had canceled a scheduled trip to Zambia which is hosting the Smart Partnership programme for developing nations in July 2009.

The Sudanese envoy pledged to spare no efforts to strengthen the already existing bilateral relations with Zambia.

(ST)