The Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari on the third day of visit to Zambia, called on the first President of the Republic of Dr Kenneth Kaunda, the leader who drew inspiration from Indian freedom struggle and particularly Mahatma Gandhi to carry out his movement for Zambia’s freedom. Dr Kaunda also chose the occasion to make an appeal to India for assistance in AIDS control in the region as Southern Africa is bearing the heaviest brunt as result of the AIDS pandemic. Kaunda’s organization Kenneth Kaunda Children of Africa Foundation is actively involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Recalling his visit to India as a freedom fighter in 1957, the 86 year old Zambian leader said Gandhi’s message of passive resistance or non violence even in the face of extreme provocation greatly inspired his visit to India as a freedom fighter in 1957 him and he adopted the Gandhian way in the struggle for Zambia’s independence.<br/><br/>Talking to reporters after the meeting with Mr Ansari, Kaunda India has been a great success as far as its achievements in democracy in its country or its contribution internationally goes. Fondly remembering former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as a great human being, Kaunda recalled her visit to Lusaka in the 1970 during the conference of non-aligned movement conference. The Indian Vice President appreciated the works being done by Kaunda in areas of HIV/AIDS in Zambia and assured the first Zambian premiere that India on its part would be ready and willing to assist Zambia in the best of its capabilities. Mr Ansari described Kaunda as a great friend of India and emphasized the commonality of approach of both the nations on a number of issues. Mr Ansari also underlined the need to further invigorate the existing relationship between the two countries with more focus on economic ties. The Indian Parliamentary delegation called on the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia Mr Amusaa Mwanamwambwa. Later in the day, Finance Minister of Zambia Stumbeko Musokotwane, Foreign Affairs Minister Kabinga Pande and Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati called on Mr Ansari before the Indian delegation led by the Vice President left for Malawi.