LUSAKA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to pay a state visit to Zambia as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, Zambia's foreign minister said on Thursday.

Joseph Malanji said the Turkish leader will visit Zambia on July 28, adding that the historic visit was significant as it will be the first for a Turkish leader.

"The visit will therefore consolidate the existing relations between Zambia and Turkey by further enhancing cooperation in key sectors of development," he said in a statement.

During the visit, a number of memoranda of understanding and agreements will be signed between the two countries in various sectors which will further enhance the existing bilateral relations and cooperation for the mutual benefits of our two peoples, he added.

The Zambian minister said Turkey has one of the largest and fastest growing economies and has made major strides in its socioeconomic development agenda and that Zambia wanted to tap into that.

He further said the visit will present an opportunity for the two leaders to deliberate on matters of mutual interest at a multilateral level, adding that Zambia recognizes the importance of enhancing cooperation with strategic key partners in achieving sustainable development, good governance and promoting peace and security.