Zambia reaffirms commitment to consolidate relations with Togo

Zambian President Edgar Lungu reaffirmed his government's commitment to consolidating existing bilateral relations with Togo for mutual benefit Tuesday.

Lungu made the remarks while visiting a steel manufacturing plant with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe in Kafue district, about 44 km south of Lusaka, Zambia's capital.

Lungu said his government was willing to work with the Togolese government at bilateral and multilateral levels to enhance cooperation in order to attain the goals set out in the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, along with national development.

"You may wish to know that, Zambia is willing to work with Togo and other African countries in seeking lasting solutions to the power deficit in Africa, in order to enhance Africa's industrialization agenda which will in return strengthen our economy," he said.

On his part, the Togolese leader expressed appreciation over the steps being undertaken by Zambia to promote industrialization, saying his country was ready to learn from Zambia, especially on how to exploit steel.

The Togolese leader arrived in Zambia on Monday for a two-day state visit, which hailed as a milestone in cementing bilateral ties between the two countries.

The two leaders held a closed-door meeting at State House before the state banquet.

The Zambian leader has since proposed to set a joint permanent commission of bilateral cooperation between the two countries which is expected to play a significant role in further cementing bilateral ties. Endi