President Lungu with Saudi King. Photo: State House
Zambia and Saudi Arabia have signed documents to operationalise the importation of cheaper fuel to Zambia.
Energy Minister Dora Siliya says the deal will soon materialise as technocrats from both Saudi Arabia and Zambia are now working on final touches before the first shipment of fuel leaves for Zambia.
The minister says the offer by the Saudi Fund for Development to supply cheaper oil for five years, is beneficial because it is a government to government deal which makes it cost effective and reliable.
Ms. Siliya has told Zambian journalists in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah that the offer by Saudi Arabia will help reduce fuel shortages which the country experienced a few months ago.
Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda says President Lungu’s state visit to Saudi Arabia will mainly focus on energy security, food security, tourism investment and agriculture development.
Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda
Mr. Chanda has told Zambian journalists that major pronouncements in the four focus areas will be made after President Lungu holds bilateral talks with King Salman Abdul Aziz Al Saud.
He said the state visit is a strategic one and Zambia will ensure it benefits in sourcing cheaper oil, getting Saudi investments in the farming blocks in Central Province, getting Saudi investments in the tourism sector and signing trade agreements.
Mr. Chanda also revealed that President Lungu has been accorded the highest honor of any Zambian head of state who has ever visited the Kingdom – ZNBC