New Delhi, Aug 21 (UNI) India and Zambia on Wednesday inked a number of MoUs and pacts including for cooperation in the field of Geology and Mineral Resources and Defence.
The pacts were signed after delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the visiting Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
The MoU on defence cooperation was inked by Zambial Foreign Minister Joseph Malanji and MoS for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, a MEA source said here.
The MoU on cooperation in the field of Geology and Mineral Resources was signed by the visiting Zambian Minister of Mines and Minerals Resources Richard Musukwa and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coals and Mines Pralhad Joshi.
A pact to enhance cooperation in the field of Arts and Culture was also inked between two sides.
The MoU between Foreign Service Institute of India and Zambian Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies was also signed by Joseph Malanji, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr Muraleedharan.
Both sides also inked a pact between Election Commission of India and Electoral Commission of Zambia, the MEA said.
Speaking to media after the delegation level talks, the Prime Minister said it will be endeavour of both sides to
boost cooperation in health care, tourism, agriculture, food processing and mining.
Both sides are also keen to encourage trade and investment, the Prime Minister said.
Zambian President Lungu is on a state visit to India since Tuesday at the invitation of President Ram Nath Kovind.
Mr Kovind had visited Zambia last year in April 2018.
"A time-tested friend! PM Narendra Modi and President Edgar Chagwa Lungu of Zambia held wide ranging discussions on strengthening bilateral ties, especially in trade & investment, development cooperation, capacity building, defence, renewable energy among other areas," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
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