LUSAKA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Zambia and Russia have agreed to explore investment opportunities in new areas as part of efforts to cement ties between the two countries, a senior government official said on Friday.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Malanji said the two governments agreed to explore investment opportunities in various sectors during bilateral talks he held with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

In a release, the Zambian minister said he invited the Russian business community to visit the southern African nation to explore and actualize the investment opportunities.

"I have also invited my counterpart to visit Zambia to continue our discussions and improve our economic cooperation," he said.

On his part, the Russian foreign affairs minister commended Zambia for supporting Russia's positions at the United Nations and pledged his country's continued cooperation with Zambia.