The most important highlight of the visit was the elevation of the structured bilateral mechanism between South Africa and Zambia from the Joint Commission for Cooperation to a complete Bi-National Commission

PRETORIA, South Africa, October 16, 2017/APO/ -- 

President Jacob Zuma has characterized the State Visit to the Republic of Zambia as a remarkable success as he had positive and fruitful official talks with his Zambian counterpart, His Excellency President Edgar Lungu in Lusaka. 

The State Visit had provided a platform to both President Zuma and President Lungu to deliberate on various issues of mutual concern as well as to deepen and strengthen bilateral, political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries, underpinned by strong historical ties that date back from the years of the liberation struggle against apartheid and colonialism.

The most important highlight of the visit was the elevation of the structured bilateral mechanism between South Africa and Zambia from the Joint Commission for Cooperation to a complete Bi-National Commission (BNC) that will now be chaired by the two Heads of State.

“It was an important visit for South Africa as our aim was to review and strengthen the existing strong bilateral and economic relations between the two nations and we are all pleased with the outcomes of our talks,” said the President.

He added: “We have ensured that our structured bilateral mechanisms are operational and effective to lead us to the joint future we want.”

“Considering the strong historical and fraternal bonds that bind our sister Republics and Peoples, we have decided to elevate our structured Bilateral Mechanism from the current Joint Commission for Cooperation to a fully-fledged Bi-National Commission.

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