Russian government offers military training to Zambia

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Russian government offers military training to Zambia

4:11 CAT | 01 Feb 2016

LT / President Edgar Lungu meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Countries of Africa Mr Mikhail Bogdanov at the African Union Summit Sideline Meeting on Sunday.

The Russian government has offered military training to Zambia and expansion of bilateral relations in other fields, President Vladimir Putin’s envoy has told President Lungu.

And President Lungu has met his Sudanese counterpart Omar Al Bashir on the margins of the 26th African Union (AU) Summit.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with President Lungu’s delegation yesterday, Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and the countries of Africa Mikhail Bogdanov said Zambia has since independence been one of Russia’s important partners.

Mr Bogdanov is impressed with Zambia’s positive development process.

He said Russia wants to deepen bilateral relations in fields of military training, trade and many other economic spheres.

Mr Bogdanov said his country will support Zambia’s fight for economic independence, just like it supported her liberation struggle.

“We are ready to develop other spheres of co-operation, including military co-operation and training of personnel,” said Mr Bogdanov, who is also deputy Foreign Minister.

In response, President Lungu said Zambia appreciates Russia’s support in many fields, and now, the offer for military co-operation.

The President said Zambia needs investment in other fields such as energy and agriculture.
He said Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba undertook a successful visit to Russia last year.

President Lungu said what remains is for the technocrats in the two countries to work together to actualise things.

Source: Lusaka Times