Zambia appreciates Turkish partnership: Minister

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Zambia has appreciated a solid partnership with Turkey with social and economic cooperation, according to an official on Friday.

Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Rodney Sikumba, made the remarks when the Turkish Embassy in Lusaka celebrated the 98th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.

"The New Dawn Administration will continue to work closely with Turkey as we strive to realize the existing and future agreements in various areas of social and economic development," said Sikumba, as he referred to the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2018.

He congratulated Turkey and toasted to the continued good health and well-being of Erdogan and the Turkish people.

Ankara’s Ambassador to Lusaka Istem Circıroglu said the occasion was timely as it came five days after Zambia celebrated its 57th independence day.

She said the commemoration was of importance as the declaration of the republic could not be possible without the sacrifices of gallant nations that contributed to the war for Turkey's independence and the convention of a new assembly in Turkey.

"Today, we are getting closer to celebrating the 100th anniversary of our republic and we are joyful, excited and proud," she said.

Among significant Turkish-Zambian sectors of cooperation cited were aviation, infrastructure development, education and investment.

Circıroglu pledged Turkey’s continued support to the growth of African countries like Zambia through a strategic partnership with the continent.

She said it was already being achieved through such events as the Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit that will be hosted Dec. 17 - 18 in Turkey.