LUSAKA, Sept. 25 -- Uganda Airlines, the country's national carrier, launched its direct flights to Zambia on Wednesday, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the two countries.

The airline will operate four weekly direct flights between Entebbe, Uganda, and Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. Zambian Acting Minister of Transport and Logistics Elvis Nkandu welcomed the inaugural flight at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, calling it a testament to the strong bilateral relations between Uganda and Zambia.

Nkandu said the new service would not only boost trade and tourism between the two nations but also deepen people-to-people connections.

The airline industry plays an important role in Zambia's economic growth, Nkandu said, noting that the government is committed to making Zambia an aviation hub in the region.

As part of this effort, the Zambian government has embarked on upgrading airport infrastructure to further improve the country's aviation sector, he added.

Ugandan Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Matia Kasaija said the Ugandan government is excited to launch flights to Zambia.

Noting the historical ties between the two countries, Kasaija said the flights would strengthen business cooperation and stressed the importance of African nations integrating through trade and commerce to grow their economies.

  - Xinhua