Pretoria — International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane will later today depart for Lusaka, Zambia in preparation for an upcoming state visit by President Jacob Zuma scheduled for December.

The minister is expected to hold discussions with her Zambian counterpart Kabinga Pande to iron out the agreements to be signed during the scheduled state visit.

"The visit by Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane takes place within the context of the consolidation of the African Agenda and efforts by the South African government to build on the solid bilateral relations existing between the two countries," the department said on Thursday.

During her visit the minister is also expected to pay a courtesy call on Vice President George Kunda.

According to the department, bilateral relations between South Africa and Zambia remain cordial.

South Africa's cooperation with Zambia is driven by its vision of an "African Renaissance" of peace, stability and security and sustained renewal, growth and socio-economic development for the African Continent.

Zambia is one of South Africa's trading partner with South African trade balance amounting to R13 958 516 in 2008.