The Russian government will this year cancel the remaining 115 million- US dollar debt owed by Zambia, Daily Mail reported Saturday.

It quoted Russian ambassador to Zambia Anvar Azimov as saying here on Friday that the decision to write off the debt is part of its contribution to the progress and prosperity of the southern African country.

He said in a interview that in 2005 Russia cut about 12 billion dollars debt owed by African countries including the 800 million dollars owed by Zambia.

The envoy also said that his country resolves to increase Zambia's quota of free scholarships from 60 to 70 a year.

"At present, there are about 400 students studying in Russian universities and colleges. 1,000 Zambian students have graduated from these institutions and are now working in various institutions and government departments," he said.

He expressed his country's commitment to the military cooperation between the two countries, adding that "Russia is ready to supply all kinds of spares and new military equipment that will be in the interest of strengthen the defense capacity of Zambia."

Azimov said his country will help the Zambian government attain economic growth and self reliance.

Source: Xinhua