Zambia to host JPC with Ethiopia in March

Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba

Zambia is this year scheduled to host a Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) of Co-operation with the government of Ethiopia in a bid to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba says the JPC which is scheduled to take place in Lusaka on 28^th March will improve trade and economic activities between people of the two countries.

Mr Kalaba, who was speaking at Bole International Airport in Addis Abba, Ethiopia, said three bilateral agreements are expected to be signed during the JPC.

He says among the bilateral agreements to be signed are Visa Waivers for Zambians entering Ethiopia and the Extradition treaty.

He adds that Ethiopia will also sign an agreement to establish its Embassy in Zambia.

Mr Kalaba mentions that the Ethiopian government has expressed happiness with Zambia hosting the JPC as it will enable people of the two countries to live in harmony and increase trade activities

He says Zambia will continue navigating along the open door policy to enhance bilateral and regional integration with other world countries.

Zambia recently pardoned 127 Ethiopian nationals serving different jail sentences as a gesture of good will.

The 127 were pardoned by President Edgar Lungu and will be repatriated back to Ethiopia as soon as that country puts logistics in place.

This is contained in a statement issued to QFM News by Zambia Embassy in Ethiopia First Secretary for Press and Tourism Naomi Nyawali.