Vice-President Ansari leaves for Malawi

Lusaka, Jan.7 (ANI): Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari left Zambia from here on Thursday afternoon for Malawi after completing a three-day official visit that included meetings with the Zambian leadership and the signing of several agreements for providing a Line of Credit and a grant to this African nation.

Zambia's Vice President George Kunda and his wife Ireen Kunda, besides Zambian officials saw Vice-President Ansari and his entourage off at the Lusaka International Airport.

Prior to his departure, Vice-President Ansari called on former Zambian President Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda at the Kabulonga Office. The two leaders exchanged views on matters of mutual interest for about 30-minutes. Vice-President Ansari also met with Zambian Foreign Minister Kabinga Pande and Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Felix C. Mutati. He also attended a reception for the Indian community hosted by India's High Commissioner Ashok Kumar.

Soon after his arrival in Malawian capital Lilongwe, Vice-President Ansari will visit the Civic Offices. In the evening, he will call on Malawi President Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika and attend a state banquet hosted by the latter.

On Friday, Ansari will visit the Kamuzu Mausoleum to pay homage at the grave located below. He will then have a meeting with his Malawian counterpart and witness a signing of bilateral agreements. In the afternoon, he will undertake a two-hour-long visit to the Malawi Lake by road. In the evening, he will attend a reception hosted for the Indian community by Indian High Commissioner Ashok Kumar.

Ms. Ansari will use her stay in Malawi to see Mother Teresa's Orphanage in Kalawi.

The vice-president and his entourage will leave for Botswana capital Gabarone on Saturday morning. By Ashok Dixit (ANI)