By Ashok Dixit

Lusaka (Zambia), Jan.7 (ANI): India and Zambia must aim at a

collective effort to give value addition to the over four-decade-long

bilateral relationship, said former Zambian President Dr. Kenneth

David Kaunda on Thursday.

Interacting with visiting Indian Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari

and the Indian delegation, 85-year-old Kaunda said: “Our relations

have continued to grow from strength to strength. Our nations are now

focusing attention on issues of trade and investment between our two

countries. I am aware that we do have several Indian investments here

in the country (Zambia), which are contributing to our efforts to

attain sustainable economic and social development… I would like, in

this regard, to appeal for collective efforts that are aimed at value

addition.”

“The investors from India should work in partnership with Zambian

entrepreneurs to engage in value addition by processing raw materials

locally, here in Zambia… This will be the right thing to do for the

realisation of our common objectives,” Kaunda added.

Kaunda said that he had nod doubt that given the cordial relations

that exist between India and Zambia, these common objectives could be

achieved through mutual cooperation.

He hoped relations between the two countries would continue to flourish.

“Let there be continued peace, harmony and prosperity in India. Let

our relations continue to grow for our mutual benefit,” Kaunda said.

(ANI)