PLANS to open a Zambian embassy in Ghana in an effort to strengthen the two countries? bilateral cooperation have reached an advanced stage, Foreign Affairs Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha has said.

Lieutenant General Shikapwasha said the opening of the embassy would further strengthen the understanding which the two countries were already enjoying. Gen Shikapwasha was speaking in Lusaka when a team of army students from different countries studying at Ghana Staff Training College paid a courtesy call on him yesterday.

The minister said Zambia was also working towards having a Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), which would directly deal with issues of security.

He paid tribute to Ghana for the role it played in Zambia?s political affairs and other African countries during the independence struggle.

About eight countries surrounded Zambia and the peace it had continued to enjoy was as a result of God?s protection and the Zambian people who were naturally peaceful.

The bilateral talks the Governments had been engaged in over the years had contributed to the peace that was important if any meaningful development was to take place.

Head of the delegation, Colonel Martin Ahiaglo said the visit would assist the students to learn more especially on Zambia?s foreign policy. Col Ahiaglo said the visit would be used as an information exchange forum considering that the team comprised students from Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mali and Ghana.

The visit would assist the students enhance their understanding on various issues including cultural and social.