LUSAKA, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government said on Friday that it was imperative for Zambia and Angola to commemorate the 25th anniversary of a peace agreement that resulted in an end to war in the neighboring country.
After years of fighting, the Angolan government and the rebel group the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola signed a peace agreement on Nov. 20, 1994, brokered by Zambia and presided by the United Nations.
Zambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Malanji said the Lusaka Peace Accord on Angola remains important to Zambia as it represented a major step towards peace in the region.
In remarks made when Angola Ambassador to Zambia Azevedo Xavier paid a courtesy call, the Zambian minister said the two countries should commemorate the day because of its significance to the region.
Zambia, he said, looks forward to working with Angola on similar initiatives that will foster peace not only in the southern African region but around Africa as well, according to a release.
Zambia desires to enhance its ties with Angola, the minister said, adding that Angolan President Joao Lourenco's visit last May culminated into the signing of bilateral agreements, which will further facilitate trade and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
For his part, the Angolan envoy emphasized the importance of the Lusaka Peace Accord to Angola and that Angola was looking forward to increased cooperation with Zambia.
