Indian VP Ansari calls on Zambian Prez Kenneth Kaunda
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Indian VP Ansari calls on Zambian Prez Kenneth Kaunda
Zambia’s first President Kaunda, who drew inspiration from Indian freedom struggle and particularly Mahatma Gandhi praised Indian democracy as a great success and recalled his association with India fondly. The 86-year-old Zambian leader said, Southern Africa is bearing the heaviest brunt as a result of the AIDS pandemic and India has made significant advances in drugs, which can fight the pandemic effectively and in a cost-effective manner.
Over 22 million people are inflicted with the killer virus in sub-Saharan Africa. Promising all help, Mr Ansari described Kaunda as a great friend of India and emphasised the commonality of approach of both the nations on a number of issues.
During the meeting with Mr Ansari, who is in Lusaka on a three-day official visit, Kaunda fondly remembered former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as a great human being. Kaunda said he greatly valued her contribution and advice on many intricate issues that affected humanity, including the question of apartheid in South Africa.
Acknowledging that Zambia has several Indian investments, which are contributing to the country’s effort to attain sustainable economic and social development, the African veteran said, Indian investors should work with Zambian entrepreneurs to engage in value addition by processing the raw materials available in the continent. Kaunda also referred to the role played by the two countries in the NAM, Commonwealth, United Nations and Group of 77.