Africa looks to Russia

ZAMBIA has called for greater economic ties with Russia.

Minister of Defence, George Mpombo, said while Russia and Zambia have enjoyed cordial relationships in a number of sectors such as defence and human resource development, not much has been done in the economic sphere.

“When we look at our economic ties, I am sad to note that there has not been much tangible progress in this area yet there is so much our two countries can offer each other,” the minister said.

Mr Mpombo was speaking during the commemoration of the Russian national day at the embassy in Lusaka yesterday.

The minister said time had come for the two countries to take the good relations enjoyed over the decades to new heights taking advantage of the new conducive environment in Zambia.

Zambia has created a conducive environment for investment in many sectors.

“Beyond that, Russia is a world giant where the management of oil and gas are concerned and one can not question their competence in natural resources management,” he said.