The Czech Republic has handed over 200 thousand United States dollars to Zambia for drought mitigation.

Visiting Czech Republic Senate President, Milos Vystrcil says that country is aware of the challenges the drought has caused for countries like Zambia.

ZANIS reports that Mr Vystrcil was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti in Lusaka today.

And Mr Vystrcil called for bilateral cooperation between the two countries at parliamentary level.

He noted that cooperation between the Zambian Parliament and the Czech senate would be positive for the development of both countries.

The Senate President said the two institutions have direct links with their respective governments which would make cooperation efficient.

Mr Vystrcil said in addition to the partnership that the two countries already enjoy, it would be beneficial at Parliamentary committee level.

And Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti welcomed the call for cooperation between the two parliaments, saying it would be beneficial for both countries. 

Ms Mutti assured the Czech senate that the suggestion for cooperation at parliamentary level will be explored fully.

She thanked the Czech Republic for considering Zambia as one of the countries to partner with in the Southern African region.

Ms Mutti commended the European state for collaborating with Zambia in the areas of agriculture, governance, health and education.

She said Czech’ support to small-holder farmers is timely and appreciated because climate change is presently one of the major global threats to food security.