Lungu pledges completion of Benguela Railway line

Lungu pledges completion of Benguela Railway line

Lusaka, February 13, 2015, ZANIS—President Edgar Lungu says government will ensure that the Benguela Railway line linking Zambia to Angola is completed.

The President says the completion of the railway line was important so that it can enhance the economies between the two countries.

During his presidential address to the National Assembly of Angola today, President Lungu said the railway line will provide the much needed link to the sea as identified by SADC and AU under the Lobito Corridor Infrastructure Initiative.

President Lungu arrived in Angola today on a two-day official visit accompanied by the First Lady Esther.

And President Lungu says the conclusion of the bilateral Air Services Agreement in 2014 had allowed for the operation of commercial flights between the two countries which will increase the movement of people and goods.

Mr Lungu said strides have also been taken between the two countries to connect the waterways through the Shango’mbo-Rivunga canal project which will span a distance of 10 kilo metres  and provide a vital link for trade and passenger transport.

President Lungu also acknowledged the role that Angola is playing not only within SADC but also in the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region where Angola currently holds the chairmanship.

Mr Lungu re-affirmed Zambia’s support to Angola’s relentless efforts as the two countries strive to reach a lasting solution to the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC.