LUSAKA (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Rupiah Banda has called for lifting of sanctions imposed on neighboring Zimbabwe to allow the country to implement its economic recovery program, Zambia Daily Mail reported on Friday.The Zambian leader said in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare on Tuesday at a state banquet held in his honor by Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe that the lifting of sanctions on Zimbabwe will help facilitate the implementation of the economic recovery program, adding that Zambia is impressed by its neighbor's efforts in trying to improve the well-being of people.
Banda is in Zimbabwe for a four-day state visit.
He said the Zambian government is committed to contributing to deepening of economic relations between the two countries for the mutual benefits of the people.
"Following the Southern African Development Community extraordinary summit, Zambia is urging countries to lift sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe," Banda was quoted as saying.
He further commended Zimbabwe's well articulated economic recovery program, adding that Zambia is committed to contribute to that short-term program.
The Zambian leader also said his administration will support Zimbabwe's efforts bilaterally, regionally and internationally despite negative effects of the global economic crisis, adding that the two countries face common challenges of underdevelopment characterized by high levels of poverty.
He said the two countries should work together to ensure regional integration to enhance economic growth, adding that there is need to reduce poverty, improve infrastructure and increase intra-regional trade to enhance agriculture and food security.
Speaking at the same occasion, Mugabe said the strong bond of friendship that have tied the two countries over the years can best be described in the "context of Siamese twins".
