HAVANA - Zambian Foreign Minister Effron Chakupa Lungu has indicated his country's willingness to open an embassy in Havana.

Lungu expressed the hope on Monday during a meeting with Cuban Parliament President Esteban Lazo.

Cuba and Zambia established diplomatic relations in December 1972.

In a meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Tuesday, Lungu highlighted that the friendship between the two countries is demonstrated by constant mutual visits of high-level delegations, as well as by bilateral cooperation, especially in education.

"Because you (Cuba) hold the presidency of CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), we would also like to promote the cooperation between the African Union and CELAC," said Lungu.

Rodriguez thanked Zambia for its support on international occassions against the US economic sanctions imposed on the island.