. Lungu

By TIMES REPORTER –
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel yesterday to start a five-day official visit at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Head of State touched down aboard the presidential challenger jet at Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv  yesterday at around 13:43 hours, marking the first time a Zambian head of state has visited the Holy Land on an official visit since President Frederick Chiluba visited 23 years ago.
Mr Lungu is accompanied by his Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda, Special Assistant for Politics Kaizer Zulu, Hibeene Mwiinga (Economic Affairs) and Senior Private Secretary Daniel Siwo.
Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba, Dora Siliya (Agriculture), Chitalu Chilufya (Health), Margret Mwanakatwe (Commerce, Trade and Industry) and their Energy counterpart David Mabumba are also part of the entourage.
Others are Tourism and Arts Minister Charles Banda, his Transport and Communications counterpart Brian Mushimba and a local business delegation.
The visit follows the upgrading of diplomatic relations between Israel and Zambia, which now has a resident ambassador in that country.
During his visit, President Lungu is expected to meet with Mr Netanyahu and Israeli   president  Reuven Rivlin.
Mr Lungu will also officiate at a business forum organised by the Israeli and Zambian chambers of commerce and industry, an event which is expected to focus on promoting investment opportunities in the two countries.
As is his practice on such visits, the President is also expected to meet Zambians living in that country.
The visit is expected to provide the Zambian delegation an opportunity to market the business and other opportunities that the country offers to attract foreign investment.