By BRIAN HATYOKA –

SERBIA stands ready to cooperate with Zambia in all economic spheres, Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic has said.
President Nikolic said Serbia wants to intensify its economic cooperation with Zambia as his country had so much to offer particularly in the sectors of agriculture and construction.
He said Serbia is also open to cooperation in security and student exchange programmes.
President Nikolic further extended an invitation to the Zambian President Edgar Lungu to visit Serbia in the near future in order to further exchange bilateral engagements.
Mr Nikolic was speaking in Serbia when Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba visited that country last week.
This is according to statement by First Secretary for Economic and Trade at the Zambian Embassy in France Chibwe Chisala.
“Serbia stands ready to cooperate with Zambia in all economic spheres. Honorable Minister please be assured that you can count on Serbia’s support in the promotion of its objectives in the international arena, specifically regarding the United Nations Security Council,” President Nikolic said.
During the visit, Mr Kalaba met with President Nikolic, the Prime Minister, Aleksandar Vucic; and the Foreign Affairs Minister.
Mr Kalaba also held talks with the ministry of agriculture officials and visited various companies that are currently present in Zambia and those that wish to do business in the country.
He said Zambia and Serbia were working towards reviving the old close ties the two countries enjoyed, building on the successes of its forefathers.