LUSAKA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Zambia and Madagascar on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change because of the adverse effects climate change has on African countries.
Zambian President Edgar Lungu and visiting Madagascar President Hery Rajaonarinampianina reaffirmed their commitment to the agreement during talks in Lusaka, the Zambian capital, according to a statement issued after the talks.
The two leaders expressed profound concern over the adverse effects climate change has had not only in the two countries but other African countries, adding that the problem was real which require serious commitment to address its challenges.
The Zambian leader said his government believes in collective response to challenges presented by climate change and the promotion of a harmonized approach in the region on climate change issues.
Zambia, he said, has not been spared from the effects of climate change and cited a serious power deficit the country has been grappling with in the last two years due to reduced water levels in the country's reservoirs.
On his part, the Madagascar leader expressed concern over the adverse effects of climate change posed on his country as well as other African nations, adding that his country has been hit by cyclones and drought every year.
He said his government will stick to the Paris Agreement because it provided the best platform to tackle the challenges of climate change.
The two leaders also pledged commitments towards efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security in Africa.
The Madagascar leader arrived in Zambia on Wednesday for a two-day state visit.
