Official Visit of Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh to Zambia:…

Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, will visit Zambia from November 4-7, 2024, to co-chair the India-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission, participate in a Business Round Table to promote trade, and engage with the Indian community, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations.

Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Honorable Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is scheduled to undertake an official visit to the Republic of Zambia from November 4 to November 7, 2024. This significant visit aims to bolster bilateral relations between India and Zambia. During his visit, Minister Singh will co-chair the 6th Session of the India-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission alongside Mr. Mulambo Haimbe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia, on November 6, 2024. The agenda for this session will encompass a comprehensive review of various aspects of the bilateral relationship, thereby facilitating deeper collaboration between the two nations. Notably, the previous session took place in 2005 in New Delhi, marking a long-standing commitment to diplomatic engagement. Minister Singh’s itinerary also includes discussions with the senior leadership of the Zambian government, emphasizing the importance of high-level dialogues in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. Moreover, he will participate in an India-Zambia Business Round Table Conference, which is designed to enhance trade and investment initiatives between the two countries. As of the fiscal year 2023-24, bilateral trade has reached USD 448.39 million, with India recognized as one of the principal investors in Zambia, having pledged over USD 5 billion in investments. In addition, Minister Singh will engage with the thriving Indian community residing in Lusaka, which numbers approximately 30,000 individuals. This interaction underscores the significance of the Indian diaspora in Zambia, highlighting their contributions to the cultural and economic fabric of the country. Furthermore, both countries are commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations, and this visit holds the potential to further enhance the collaborative framework between India and Zambia.

The upcoming visit of Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing relationship between India and Zambia, which has been cultivated over six decades since the establishment of diplomatic ties. This engagement presents an opportunity to assess past cooperative frameworks while exploring new avenues for growth in various sectors, including economic, cultural, and environmental initiatives. The history of India-Zambia relations has been characterized by mutual respect, support, and various shared interests, particularly in areas like trade, investment, and community engagement.

In summary, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh’s official visit to Zambia signifies an important step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and Zambia. Through key dialogues and conferences, the visit aims to not only review past collaborations but also lay the groundwork for future partnerships, especially considering the remarkable contributions of the Indian community in Zambia. This visit is expected to solidify the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Original Source: www.africa.com