MALAWIAN President Joyce Banda is today expected in Zambia for a three-day State visit.

While in Zambia, Mrs Banda would attend this year's 48th Independence anniversary celebrations at the invitation of her Zambian counterpart, President Michael Sata.

Malawian Foreign Affairs Minister, Mganda Chiume confirmed President Banda's visit in an interview yesterday after his arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka.

Mr Chiume, who was welcomed by Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister, Effron Lungu said the Malawian government was happy that the Zambian Head of State had invited President Banda to be part of the Independence celebrations tomorrow.

"Zambia and Malawi have been close allies and coexisted peacefully for more than 48 years. We have been living as close relatives and these border posts are artificial and should not deter us from interacting as brothers and sisters," he said.

He said trade between Zambia and Malawi had been growing but it should be enhanced even further.

Mr Lungu on the other hand expressed happiness over the peaceful relationship that Zambia and Malawi had been enjoying for a long time.

He said it was unfortunate that despite the long peaceful relationship, trade between the two nations was not satisfactory.

"Ways of how to enhance cross border trade between our two countries which have co-existed for over four decades should be explored," he said.

Malawian High Commissioner to Zambia, David Bandawe was also on hand to receive Mr Chiume.