Zambian president praises Turkey's economic development

Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Saturday praised Turkey's economic development, citing it as an example for his own country.

"We want to achieve our 2030 goals with the inspiration we got from Turkey," Lungu said at an inter-delegation meeting following talks with his visiting Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in capital Lusaka.

Erdoğan arrived in Lusaka on Saturday in the first-ever official visit by a Turkish president to the East African country.

Lungu said he hopes the visit would boost bilateral ties.

He also said it was important to have private sector representatives and businesspeople in the delegations.

Lungu thanked Turkey for its support in health, tourism and media sectors. He said Zambian health minister would visit Turkey soon.

Stating that he talked with Erdoğan about power generation, he said: "We expect support from Turkish companies in power supply."

He also said Zambia was seeking financial support from Turkey for the payment of its $3 billion Eurobond, and added a Turkish company was willing to sign an agreement on repayment of the Eurobonds.

Moreover, he said: "We are providing conveniences to Turkish entrepreneurs, especially in construction field." He praised the public housing projects of the country.

Lungu said he wishes for direct flights from Turkish Airlines, and reminded that airports in Zambia had been renewed and modernized.

Direct flights will boost trade, as well as increase social and cultural ties between the both countries, according to Zambian leader.

"Turkey shows great interest in agriculture and livestock breeding projects. We have one-million-hectare land eligible for various agriculture activities, including livestock breeding and fishery, in 10 provinces," Lungu said.

He also congratulated Turkey for its support in the fight against international terrorism and hosting of Syrian refugees.