By JOHN SAKALA
Zambia’s Ambassador designate to the Republic of Turkey, Joseph Chilengi has called for the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Zambia and Turkey to pave way for Turkish Airlines to start a direct flight between Istanbul and Lusaka.
Mr Chilengi said it is important for Turkish Airlines to start a direct flight to Lusaka to help boost tourist inflows and enhance trade between Zambia and Turkey.
He said this in Istanbul yesterday when he briefed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Malanji and his delegation.
The Minister transited through Istanbul on his way to attend the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government summit in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
Vice-President, Inonge Wina will represent President Edgar Lungu at the summit to be held in Nouakchott from June 25 to July 3, 2018, under the theme ‘Winning the Fight against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation.’
Mr Chilengi also briefed the Minister on relations between Zambia and Turkey and pertinent issues pertaining to bilateral co-operation between the two countries.
“We also had elections here in Turkey on June 24, 2018, in which incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emerged victorious with a 52.6 percent first round majority vote to become Turkey’s first executive President under the new constitution,” he said.
He also updated the Minister on the forthcoming political consultations between Zambia and Turkey scheduled for July 11, 2018 in Ankara.
The minister was accompanied by his Mines and Mineral Development counterpart, Richard Musukwa and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary in charge of International Relations and Co-operation, Ambassador Chalwe Lombe.
Others are Office of the Vice-President Permanent Secretary in charge of Administration, Stephen Mwansa and Anti-Corruption Commission Director General Zacharia Phiri.
Vice-President, Inonge Wina is on Friday expected to transit through Istanbul on her way to attend the AU Heads of State and Government summit in Mauritania.
The Vice-President and her delegation will be received by Mr Chilengi and Zambia’s Honorary Consul in Istanbul, Dr Bulent Goktuna.
This is according to a media statement made available to The Independent Observer by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian Embassy in Turkey Jerry Munthali.
