Zambia, DRC to hold talks after border closure

By Hector Simfukwe

A delegation of Government officials will today hold a meeting with the DRC government following the temporally closure of the borders by the Zambian government .

The meeting will be held in Lubumbashi.

Minister of Commerce, Chipoka Mulenga expressed hope that a solution will be found and that the borders can be opened soon.

He said what Zambia wants is peace at the borders in order for trade to take place .

Mr Mulenga said the closure of the borders between Zambia and the DRC has nothing to do with political differences.

He said Zambia and DRC are friends who have worked together for many years.

He disclosed that his DRC counterpart called him to see how best they can resolve the problem, which was caused by the DRC government’s ban on importation of some Zambian products.

Mr. MULENGA expressed hope that a solution will be found during a press briefing at Kasumbalesa border shortly before crossing the border into the DRC .

And Copperbelt Minister ELISHA MATAMBO said people should not use this for their political benefit.

He said there is peace at all borders that Zambia shares with the DRC and that today’s meeting is aimed at resolving the issue.