South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa is in Zambia for a working visit. He touched down at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and was received by Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Malanji, Zambian High Commissioner to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba, Mayor of Lusaka Miles Sampa and Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo.
President Edgar Lungu received his counterpart at State House on Thursday evening. Thereafter, the two witnessed the signing of an agreement on the establishment of the Bi-National Commission. His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia is also hosting his counterpart to official dinner at State House.
S.A president is in the country for bilateral talks on peace, security and defense in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) with President Edgar Lungu.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Cyril Ramaphosa’s working visit will provide an opportunity for the two Heads of State to discuss regional peace and security issues among others. He revealed that during the visit, the two Heads of State will witness the signing of an agreement to establish a Bi-National Commission (BNC), between Zambia and South Africa.
He stated that the purpose of BNC is to seek means of promoting and enhancing cooperation in the various sectors of government. Mr. Malanji added that the BNC will add impetus to the implementation of agreed areas of cooperation for the benefit of the two countries.
The Minister said that the BNC will meet annually and will be chaired by the two Heads of State. Mr. Malanji noted that the two Heads of State will also hold bilateral talks and discuss the turbulences in Lesotho and Madagascar. Zambia and South Africa share volume of trades amounting to 3.8 million United States dollars per year.
This will be the first visit since President Ramaphosa assumed office in February 2018.
