ANKARA

Zambia's ambassador to Ankara on Thursday introduced the new honorary consul for Turkey's southeastern city of Gaziantep.

The event took place at the Zambian Embassy in Ankara where Joseph Chilengi congratulated Ozlem Isik on her appointment.

"As you may be aware, Ms. Isik was appointed by honorable Joseph Malanji, minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Zambia in August 2020 to be our representative in the capital of Gaziantep province, situated in the western part of Turkey’s southwestern Anatolian region,’’ Chilengi said at the ceremony.

He also thanked Turkey's Foreign Ministry for the support the Zambian embassy has continued to receive.

"I particularly wish to thank the minister of foreign affairs, H.E. Mr. Mevlut Cavusoglu, for validating the nomination by his brother, Honourable Malanji, to appoint Ms. Isik as honorary consul. Indeed, the minister has demonstrated that he is a true friend of Zambia,’’ he said.

He said there are many initiatives Turkey and Zambia are working on with various actors to "cement brotherly ties".

"These include ongoing efforts to promote trade and investment through the joint economic commission, holding of regular political consultations, fight against terrorism and institution to institution cooperation.

"This spirit is in tandem with the vision of H.E. Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia and H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, president of the Republic of Turkey,’’ Chilengi added.

He said Zambia will open other honorary consuls in other Turkish cities soon.

Isik, for her part, said: ‘’I really appreciate the trust of Zambian people for this opportunity.’’

"I would also like to work with you on a strategic document which will set economic priorities and enhance Zambia's image as a business partner, and a key investment and a tourist destination for Turkey. In order to achieve these targets, the active involvement of my Honorary Consulate will be at your service,’’ she added.

She said she will like to work to strengthen economic relations between the two countries.

"I would also like to work with you on a strategic document which will set economic priorities and enhance Zambia's image as a business partner, and a key investment and a tourist destination for Turkey,’’ Isik said.

Turkey-Zambia relations gained momentum following the opening of the Turkish Embassy in Lusaka in 2011 and the Zambian Embassy in Ankara in 2013.

The countries cooperate in various areas, including women empowerment, trade, and investment promotion activities, enhancing the Turkey-Zambia joint business council, cooperation activities in agriculture, energy, mining, health, tourism and education, among others.