The State Visit aimed at deepening and strengthening the already existing good political, economic and cultural relations underpinned by strong historical ties that date back from the years of the liberation struggle

PRETORIA, South Africa, October 12, 2017/APO/ -- 

President Jacob Zuma has this morning, 12 October 2017, arrived in Lusaka, in the Republic of Zambia for a State Visit that is scheduled take place today and tomorrow, 13 October 2017 at the invitation of the President of Zambia, His Excellency Mr Edgar Lungu.

The State Visit aimed at deepening and strengthening the already existing good political, economic and cultural relations underpinned by strong historical ties that date back from the years of the liberation struggle.

Economic cooperation between South Africa and Zambia is steadily growing.

In 2016, South African exports to Zambia amounted to approximately R30 billion. Zambia is one of South Africa’s top trading partners in the region and the continent.

The two countries cooperate in a variety of areas, including trade and investment, science and technology, defence, agriculture, environment, energy as well as health.

There are over 120 South African companies doing business in Zambia in various sectors, including telecommunications, aviation, tourism, banking, property, retail, entertainment and fast foods.

The President is accompanied by a business delegation that will participate in the Zambia-South Africa Business Forum which will be addressed by the two Heads of State as part of deepening trade and investment between the two countries.

President Zuma will tomorrow, 13 October 2017, officially open the OR Tambo National Heritage site in Lusaka, Zambia as part of celebrating the lagacy and centenary year of South Africa's struggle stalwart, Mr Oliver Reginald Tambo.

President Zuma is accompanied by Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa; Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies; Energy, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi; Mineral Resources, Mr Mosebenzi Zwane; and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr Senzeni Zokwana.

Distributed by APO on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Presidency.