Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
President Edgar Lungu has called for strengthening of bilateral relations between Zambia and Sierra Leone for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
President Lungu made call in New York yesterday when he held a bilateral meeting with Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio.
The Head of State observed that Zambia and Sierra Leone have a lot in common such as being mineral producing countries, hence the need for the two countries to exchange best practices in the mining sector.
President Lungu stressed the need for African countries to forge strong ties for the benefit of the whole continent.
He says Zambia stands ready to foster trade and economic diplomacy with Sierra Leone for the benefit of both countries.
President Lungu, however, expressed concern that currently the amount of trade between Zambia and Sierra Leone is low and needs to be increased.
The Head of State further urged the Sierra Leonean government to consider supporting reforms at the United Nations Security Council to enable Africa have a permanent seat.
And President Bio thanked President Lungu for granting him an opportunity to hold the bilateral meeting on the sidelines of UN General Assembly.
The Sierra-Leonean President says his country is looking forward to reviving and deepening its bilateral relations with Zambia for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
He echoed President Lungu’s observation that Africa deserves to have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council because of the massive contributions that the African continent is making to the global body.
Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji, Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Jean Kapata, Energy Minister Mathew Nkhuwa and National Development Planning Minister, Alexander Chiteme were in attendance during the bilateral meeting between two heads of state.