Madagascan President in the country for two-day state visit

Madagascar President Hery Rajaonarimampiana has arrived in the country for a two-day state visit.

President Rajaonarimampiana was received by President Edgar Lungu and senior government and Patriotic Front officials.

And State House says the continued visits to Zambia by foreign heads of state shows that the country is on a positive path of economic development.

Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda says this is despite sustained effort to tarnish the country’s image in South Africa and some western countries in the press.

Speaking to journalists in Lusaka today, Mr Chanda said State House is aware of schemes by some people aimed at painting a misleading picture of Zambia.

Mr Chanda however said such efforts will fail as Zambia is recognized as Africa’s beacon of peace.

The Presidential Aide also disclosed that President Lungu and his Madagscar counterpart will discuss areas of cooperation between the two countries.

He said Zambia is keen to learn from Madgascar how it has successfully managed its agriculture sector with special emphasis on aggro processing.

President Rajaonarimampiana is Wednesday expected to hold special talks with President Lungu at State House and visit First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda at his residence.

He will later in the evening attend a dinner to be hosted by President Lungu at State House.

Thursday the visiting head of state will visit some manufacturing firms in Lusaka and is expected to depart for his home country in the afternoon.