Angola, Zambia want CFB re-opened soon

Lusaka, Lusaka – The Angolan secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Manuel Augusto, and the Zambian deputy Foreign minister, Effron Chakupa Lungu, Monday in Luanda spoke of the need for the earliest opening of the Benguela Railway (CFB) linking the two countries through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This followed bilateral consultations between the Zambian deputy Foreign minister and the Angolan secretary of State, Manuel Augusto who is in the neighbouring country since Sunday for an official visit at the invitation of his local colleague. The officials agreed that the opening of the CFB will boost trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, stressing the need to work for the construction of roads linking the neighbouring nations. Manuel Augusto and his colleague expressed satisfaction with the existing cordial relations and reaffirmed the need for a joint work to reinforce economic cooperation, within the framework of trade, tourism, cultural exchange, energy, development of infrastructures, transports and mining. The parties have also agreed to set up a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations with a view to strengthening existing relations. On the other hand, Manuel Augusto invited Effron Chakupa Lungu to officially visit Angola.