RIYADH: Saudi and Zambian representatives discussed bilateral cooperation in agriculture, grain trade and investment at a meeting here.

Saudi businessmen present at the discussion expressed their willingness to invest in Zambia’s agricultural sector in the interest of strengthening the food security initiative.

A Zambian delegation headed by Agriculture Minister Given Lubinda is in the capital and met with Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Faris, director general of Saudi Grains Organization (SGO), on Tuesday seeking cooperation to further enhance bilateral ties.

They held a meeting and discussed investment in agriculture, grain trade and opportunities for cooperation between the two sides in the domain of food security, a SGO official said.

Earlier, Lubinda visited the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Monday to hold talks with the chamber's officials, including Muhammad Al-Hammadi, a senior RCCI board member, who is also the chairman of the agricultural committee and Saudi investors.

They discussed various ways and means to enhance cooperation between the two countries in promoting investment in the field of agriculture. The RCCI expressed willingness to invest in the agriculture sector in Zambia.

"Saudi investors are looking for partnerships with Zambia’s public and private stakeholders to execute the plan," a RCCI official said on Tuesday.

The investors also sought cooperation on conditions to be clarified that will help ensure the safety for investments in Zambia.

The Zambian minister appreciated the cordial support while referring to the bilateral relationship between the two countries and said Zambia was looking for investors to help the country increase agricultural productivity to meet both local and overseas demand.