By SIMON MUNTEMBA
WORKS on the Kasomeno-Mwenda Toll Road must begin so that business between the Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is enhanced, the two countries’ president have said.
President Edgar Lungu yesterday visited the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where he held bilateral talks with that country’s President Félix Tchilombo Tshisekedi aimed at enhancing relations between the two countries.
The two leaders met in the African Union Arena in Kinshasa and agreed that works on the Kasomeno-Mwenda Toll Road must begin so that business between the two countries is enhanced.
According to a statement issued by his special assistant for press and public relations Mr Isaac Chipampe, President Lungu emphasised that work on the project must not be delayed by bureaucracy.
President Lungu invited President Tshisekedi to the Commissioning of the Kazungula Bridge in May.
The President said the invitation was important so that Congo could be inspired by what Zambia and Botswana have done.
And President Tshisekedi has called for enhanced relations between Zambia and the Congo.
He also called for strengthening of relations between President Lungu and himself for the good of the two countries.
And speaking during a press conference after the talks, President Lungu told journalists that he was delighted to be in Congo for talks that would build relations between the two countries.
President Lungu said Zambia and Congo share a long boundary and the two peoples share the same history, culture and foods.
“The more we unite as leaders, the more our countries benefit. We don’t need to go to Europe to learn how to live with each other. We just need to visit each other,” President Lungu said.
And President Tshisekedi said the two leaders also discussed Southern African Development Community (SADC) issues.
“I am glad to be invited to open the Kazungula Bridge because we are also building a bridge over the Luapula River. The project will start this year,” President Tshisekedi said.
He also said the two countries share common minerals that are strategic.
President Lungu returned back to Zambia after his one day official visit.
He was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Malanji, Minister for Presidential Affairs, Freedom Sikazwe, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development Vincent Mwale and Minister for Luapula Province Nickson Chilangwa.
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