by Times Reporter. The Times of Zambia (Lusaka). March 16, 2000
Lusaka - Zambia and Cuba yesterday signed two separate agreements to facilitate improved bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation between the two countries.
The two agreements are on promotional and reciprocal protection of investments and cooperation between the foreign affairs ministries of both countries The agreements were signed by visiting Cuban foreign minister Felipe Perez Roque and his Zambian counterpart Keli Walubita and Finance and
Economic Development Minister Katele Kalumba.
Mr. Walubita said the signing of agreements would enhance relations between the two counties.
"Let us therefore look to the future with renewed hope and determination towards greater co-operation between our ministries both at bilateral and multi- lateral levels," he said Mr. Walubita said both countries should rededicate themselves to the universally agreed principles to
effectively contribute to the global efforts of world peace, international understanding and co-operation.
He reaffirmed Government's desire to further strengthen and broaden the areas of cooperation between the two nations. Citing over 1,000 Cuban doctors who have worked in Zambia since a joint permanent commission of cooperation was signed in 1985, Mr. Walubita said Government hailed Cuba's efforts
to help improve health, education and other sectors to enhance development in Zambia.
Mr. Walubita requested for more sponsorship of Zambian nationals to study in Cuba. He also reaffirmed Zambia's solidarity against the American embargo on Cuba and called for its end including the repeal of the Helms-Burton law to enable Cuba freely participate in international trade and
commerce. And speaking after he signed the promotion and reciprocal protection of investment agreement, Dr Kalumba said Zambia was grateful to Cuba's continued co-operations in enhancing economic development through agriculture, education, culture, health, sport, information and other sectors in
national development.
The Zambian Government appreciated the role the Cuban medical specialists played to better the health delivery system in Zambia. He said the binding agreement had been signed because of the need to create favourable conditions for greater investments by nationals and firms in the countries.
Dr Kalumba hoped the agreement would stimulate business initiatives and contribute to the development of the two countries. He urged nationals of both countries to take advantage of the agreement and establish business initiatives particularly in tourism and manufacturing. And Mr. Roque said
Cuba was ready to assist Zambia enhance development, saying his country cherished the relationship that existed between the two countries.
He pledged increased sponsorship to Zambians to develop a sound human resource capacity in the country. Cuba also appreciated Zambia's support and solidarity against the embargo and pledged to continue fighting atrocities directed towards Africa.
Mr. Roque who is on a visit of six African countries also hailed President Chiluba for his role in ending conflicts on the African continent. He also paid a courtesy call on National Assembly Speaker Amusaa Mwanamwambwa and Health Minister David Mpamba later in the day.
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