Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, will visit Zambia from November 04-07, 2024, to co-chair the 6th Session of the India-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission. The visit aims to enhance bilateral relations and promote trade and investment, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
On November 04-07, 2024, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, will undertake an official visit to the Republic of Zambia. This visit marks a renewed engagement between India and Zambia as they collectively celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations. One of the key highlights of the visit will be the co-chairing of the 6th Session of the India-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission, which is scheduled for November 6, 2024. During this session, Shri Singh will partner with Mr. Mulambo Haimbe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia, to evaluate the full spectrum of bilateral relations. This session follows a considerable gap since the last meeting in New Delhi in 2005. Additionally, Minister Singh will engage with senior officials of the Zambian government to discuss mutual interests and potential cooperation. A significant component of his agenda will be to participate in an India-Zambia Business Round Table Conference, aimed at fostering trade and investment between the two nations. Trade figures indicate that the bilateral trade between India and Zambia is currently valued at approximately USD 448.39 million for the fiscal year 2023-24, with India being a leading investor in Zambia, pledged to invest over USD 5 billion. Furthermore, Shri Singh is expected to connect with the Indian community in Lusaka, which boasts a robust presence of about 30,000 members, underscoring the cultural and economic ties that bind the two countries. This visit represents not only a diplomatic engagement but also a commitment to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen people-to-people ties, thereby paving the path for enhanced bilateral relations between India and Zambia.
The visit of Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh to Zambia takes place within the broader context of India-Zambia relations, which have seen significant development over the past six decades. The establishment of diplomatic ties in 1964 marked the beginning of a partnership focused on mutual cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, and development aid. This visit is particularly significant as it follows a long hiatus in high-level exchanges, with the last visit by a Minister of State for External Affairs occurring in October 2019. The various facets of Shri Singh’s visit, including the Joint Permanent Commission and the Business Roundtable, reflect India’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its presence and collaboration in Africa, particularly in a nation that has been a key partner.
In conclusion, the upcoming visit of Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh to Zambia signifies a pivotal moment in the enhancement of India-Zambia relations. By focusing on trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation through high-level discussions and meetings, this visit aims to fortify the foundations of their diplomatic relationship and commemorate the 60th anniversary of their ties. The active participation of Minister Singh in various engagements will undoubtedly propel further collaborations, benefiting both nations.
Original Source: www.africa.com
