The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, received Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the President of the Republic of Zambia, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 21, 2019. The President also hosted a banquet in his honour.

Welcoming the Zambian President on his first state visit to India, President Kovind said that development cooperation is a key pillar of India-Zambia partnership.

He said that India is committed to cooperate with Zambia within the framework of South-South Cooperation. We are happy to extend capacity building, skill development and financing assistance to support Zambia’s growth and development.

The President said that the bilateral trade and investment partnership between both countries seems impressive, but the two countries can do a lot more together. Indian investments in Zambia have contributed to Zambian growth and development.

Indian companies are keen to further invest in Zambia. They are looking at new investment opportunities in the mining, health, infrastructure and energy sectors.

Subsequently, in his banquet speech, President Kovind said that our people and our youth have similar aspirations. They wish to lead the world on innovation, smart solutions, next-generation technologies, green growth and more.

The President emphasised on exchanging knowledge and skills to fulfill the aspirations. Smart Zambia and Digital India could not be better partners for each other.

He has expressed hope that India’s tele-education and telemedicine expertise would create new opportunities for the youth in Zambia as well.