Zambia’s new ambassador to Ankara on Thursday said during his tenure he hopes bilateral relations between Zambia and Turkey will reach greater heights for the benefit of both countries. 

Joseph Chilengi’s remarks came at a ceremony to mark the start of his posting in Turkey's capital. The ceremony started with a speech from Chilengi followed by remarks by Marcel Mulumba Tshidimba, the Democratic Republic of Congo ambassador to Turkey and dean of the Africa Diplomatic Corps in Ankara.

Chilengi said the recent successful presentation of his credentials to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will give impetus to the existing warm bilateral relations. He also announced that Zambia’s vice president will pay Turkey an official visit next week.

“Important pronouncements were made from the historic visit [last month] of Erdogan to Zambia, such as the introduction of direct flights between Lusaka and Istanbul, which are expected to boost tourism and trade between the two countries, including strengthening cultural exchanges and people-to-people interaction,” he added.

Abdurrazaq Mukhtar, Libya’s ambassador to Turkey, for his part wished Chilengi a successful stay in Ankara and expressed hope that the two countries will maintain their already strong ties.

The ambassador presented his credentials to Erdogan on July 24.

When Erdogan visited the Southern African nation last month, the two countries signed pacts to boost ties in sectors such as agriculture, stockbreeding, fishery, tourism, investment, sports, and diplomacy. - aa.com