Zambian President Rupiah Banda will visit Turkey between July 11 and 15 upon an invitation by Turkish President Abdullah Gul.

In a written statement issued Saturday, the Press Center of the Turkish Presidency said that Banda's visit to Turkey will be the first one ever by a Zambian president.

President Banda's visit to Turkey will contribute to the development of bilateral relations and facilitate the discussion of international issues and issues pertaining to Africa, the Press Center said.

President Banda and an accompanying delegation will proceed from Ankara to Istanbul on July 13 and attend the Turkey-Zambia Trade and Investment Forum on July 14.

Banda will depart from Turkey on July 15.

AA